Light headaches caused by fluorescent lights: Key information to understand
In many homes and workplaces, fluorescent lights are a common sight. However, for some individuals, these lights can cause headaches and eye pain, a condition known as photophobia. Here are some techniques and products that can help manage headaches caused by fluorescent lights.
Use Light-Filtering Eyewear
Light-filtering eyewear, such as Avulux lenses, designed to reduce light sensitivity and photophobia associated with migraines, can significantly soothe eyes and reduce migraine frequency triggered by fluorescent light [1].
Replace or Retrofit Lighting
Flickering, even if imperceptible, contributes to headaches and migraines. Replacing or retrofitting lighting with flicker-free LED tubes or panels can help [2].
Avoid Direct Exposure
Avoiding direct exposure to fluorescent or neon lights when possible can help. Rearranging workspaces to increase natural light or repositioning desks away from such lights can be beneficial [3][5].
Adjust Screen Brightness
Adjusting computer and screen brightness to comfortable levels can reduce visual strain correlated with fluorescent light sensitivity [3][5].
Take Frequent Breaks
Taking frequent breaks from screen exposure and resting eyes periodically can prevent eye strain that often accompanies fluorescent light-triggered headaches [5].
Consider Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Lights
Some anecdotal reports suggest that full-spectrum fluorescent lights cause fewer headaches than cool white fluorescent lights, although scientific consensus is limited [4].
Manage Eye Strain Regularly
Ensuring LED lighting has a stable power supply to avoid flicker caused by electrical interference, and using LED dimmers or drivers to reduce voltage fluctuations that contribute to flicker, can also help [2].
Additional Recommendations
Bright lights can cause glare, making it difficult to see and potentially contributing to headaches for people with photophobia. Choosing warmer colored fluorescent bulbs may help reduce headaches caused by fluorescent lights [6]. The AMF advises against complete avoidance of bright lights, as it can increase sensitivity [7].
Hydration and Medication
Hydration can help in managing headaches from fluorescent lights. Doctors may recommend pain relief medication for other types of headaches [8].
Associated Conditions
Dry eyes, blepharospasm, tension headaches, cluster headaches, lupus, and meningitis are conditions associated with sensitivity to light [9].
[1] Avulux Lenses Reduce Light Sensitivity and Photophobia Associated with Migraines
[2] Flicker-Free LED Lighting: A Solution for Headaches and Migraines Caused by Fluorescent Lights
[3] How to Reduce Fluorescent Light Headaches
[4] Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Lights: Do They Help with Headaches?
[5] How to Prevent Computer-Related Headaches
[6] The Impact of Lighting on Headaches
[7] Bright Lights and Sensitivity: What You Need to Know
[8] Headaches and Migraines: Treatment
[9] Conditions Associated with Sensitivity to Light
- Using light-filtering eyewear, such as Avulux lenses, can help reduce light sensitivity and photophobia associated with migraines and soothe eyes, thereby reducing migraine frequency triggered by fluorescent light.
- Replacing or retrofitting lighting with flicker-free LED tubes or panels can help manage headaches and migraines caused by fluorescent lights, as flickering, even if imperceptible, contributes to these issues.
- Avoiding direct exposure to fluorescent or neon lights when possible, and rearranging workspaces to increase natural light or repositioning desks away from such lights, can help prevent headaches and eye pain caused by photophobia.
- Adjusting computer and screen brightness to comfortable levels can reduce visual strain correlated with fluorescent light sensitivity, and taking frequent breaks from screen exposure and resting eyes periodically can prevent eye strain that often accompanies fluorescent light-triggered headaches.
- Some anecdotal reports suggest that full-spectrum fluorescent lights cause fewer headaches than cool white fluorescent lights, although scientific consensus is limited. Additionally, choosing warmer colored fluorescent bulbs may help reduce headaches caused by fluorescent lights.
