Light sensitivity to fluorescent lights

[ConZinger]

I just started working fulltime in an office two weeks ago and am having increasing problems with my vision and headaches, which I feel is related to the frequency of the fluorescent lighting. Since I've never spent so long under fluorescent lighting, this is a new experience for me. I have spells where my eyes go strange, not fuzzy because I can still focus, but strange because I can't see clearly, like a skewed TV screen in a way. Difficult to describe. After the vision disruption, which in some spells lasts about 20 minutes, I have a headache which can last for hours. When the spell passes, I'm normal again with no vision problems.

I need to know how I can protect myself from this negative lighting environment so I can keep working to pay my keep.

I hear that 25% of the population suffers with sensitivity to fluorescent lighting, which is way too many for any healthy society. I think it's important that we keep incandescent lighting around for those who are made ill by fluorescent lighting.

Blessings,
Zing.


This discussion is related to Light sensitivity to fluorescent lights?.

[AlisonS54]

I'm hoping someone can relate to this. I guess I'm hoping it's the fluorescent lighting and not something more serious. I was in the lower lever today of Macy's with my grandson. We were having lunch. Very very hard to describe what happened. At first it seemed as if maybe the lights had started flickering, then in my peripheral vision there was intense light flickering and a lot of distortions. I almost asked the lady next to me if something was going on with the lighting. It then go so bad I knew I needed to get out immediately!!! Or I'd either fall, pass out or needed to call 911!! Very strong, intense eye and light distortions!! Anyone out there that can relate????

[AlisonS54]

Not sure why all the strange mistyped errors. My iPhone did something funky!!

[Michelle2229]

Have you looked into Irlen Syndrome? I found that through a lot of research on the Internet, there are glasses or contacts for this.  

[Davejcole]

Hi I have a problem with fluorescents and the issue is the type of light with the frequency and wave length. My problem is it gives me axentiy and makes my mind and whole body stress out I also lose train of thought and I can't think under them them. I been to Irene. And that didn't help plus I didn't want to have my world in colour. I did find a pair of sunglasses that works tho but to be honest everyone just makes you feel weird in the office wearing them. Plus people can't see your eyes which puts up a barrier. If you can get the light changed to leds sky lights it's a different type of light with no flicker or mercury chemials in them so no UV and they worked perfect for me and now I'm not stressed and can think clear. To be honest I think the future of lighting should be LEDS and would probably help a lot of people and child with disabilities and my is to do with my dyslexia. Hope this helps you.  Dave. Email ***@****

[diagoro]

Interesting to read this thread, as it's been progressing over seven years. Sadly most people are offering suggestions to treat the symptoms, but not keep them from happening. Also disheartening to see others completely dismiss the issue. No idea what prompts a person to log-in and post something condescending.
I started looking into this after experiencing what others have. I have a history of migraines, but they were worsening since I started my current job. I also other issues. My vision at work wasn't clear, a bit cloudy, and I wasn't able to fully focus visually. I was also getting regularly nauseated. I brought this up with my employer (I work in a cubicle farm, in a long row, rows of lights all around) after doing some research. I had concluded it was the lighting, as I can see the bulbs flicker, and peripherally the glare distorts my vision. My employers first reaction was to have an ergonomic expert come out, but even he admitted that he has no expertise in lighting (but he did a really good job testing my posture). I shared my research, and even brought in a note from my doctor stating the lighting gives me migraines. They offered to move my desk....to another area with the same lighting, but mostly tried to avoid the discussion by delaying each response (if not ignoring my questions). Eventually they ended the discussion, by sending an email stating that their lawyer looked into it, and stated they were under no obligation to help further.

That said, two years on, the new maintenance guy offered to look into on his own, so there's hope.

I've found a few things that might help, so will list the basics, you can do the research. I haven't tried these yet, still in the research stage, but it seems some have had success with them.

1. Colored glasses (as noted several times earlier in the thread)
2. Someone suggested use 'neutral density' GAM tubes, used by the theatre/film industry. Basically plastic covers for the light tubes. http://www.gamonline.com/catalog/gamtube/index.php
3. Similar to #3, filters that change the spectrum. These look like they might last longer than above. They also sell sheets that can be placed over the light covers.
https://www.makegreatlight.com/products
4. 'Sky Panels' are similar to #4, don't think they were made to block any specific spectrum, but they reduce direct glare and look nice in the process. I've seen these at a hospital, and they look quite nice.
5. Changing the magnetic ballast to an electronic one. I saw this above, and on a few other sites.

I'll be suggesting filters to maintenance, and will post back if I have any success.

[MandieBella]

Well I have this same problem. I am a student and I go to school in a classroom with fluorescent lighting and we work on a computer for at least an hour. I get these episodes of unfocused vision too and I recently got glasses that protect against blue light and I put them on whenever these episodes start and it immediately stops them. So glasses that fend off blue light helped me. They should be able to help you too

[kofiomari]

I think I can relate with all that you have suggested. I also notice the sensitivity level sometimes becomes a little mild then later surfaces again. So I figured it could be something I must be doing. Changed my lifestyle completely but could not trace the cause until recently. It got soo severe I could barely manage to watch the tele even with the tinted glasses I bought from Theraspecs. I begun  wondering what has changed significantly to bring me to that point. The CULPRIT was SOFT DRINKS and FRESH YOGURT. As soon as I stopped taking them I started noticing a gradual improvement. Not completely disappeared though but a lot lot better now. I believe in some few weeks down the line Florescent light will never be a bother to me. Thanks for sharing. It has reaffirm my believe.

[TUlsh86]

Soooooo...........what did they suggest??

[skepticalcitizen]

I just wanted to say that I used to suffer from daily migraines and vision problems proceeding the migraines; exactly what you are describing.  It took me years to figure out what my problem was but it turned out to be artificial sweeteners.  

These sweeteners are found in all kinds of products from diet drinks to bubble gum to cough drops, etc.  Did you know there are only a couple of old fashioned bubble gums that only contain sugar now out of the 100 different kinds sold at stores.  

I am not saying this is your problem but I have not had a headache in a year since I stopped eating artificial sweeteners of any kind.  Many products contain sugar/corn syrup and artificial sweeteners; go figure.  

I am a very very scientific person which is why I was even able to figure out what was triggering these migraines.  I actually quit diet soda with that suspicion at one time but my headaches did not go away because I was still chewing artificially sweetened bubble gum and eating artificially sweetened cough drops and yogurt etc.  When I quit everything I got my life back and it is wonderful!

[zeecitizen]

In short summary. I have searched for exactly 5 years now for a remedy for migraines. The medicines doctors give have SERIOUS effects on health. One that even young ones like me can't bear those medis.. I have found a solution I think..

See this amazon link and people's ratings about this herb helping in migraine..

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Feverfew-Leaves-Capsules/dp/B00020HR1I

There are two herbs like this on amazon that are famous for curing migraine ..They are named.. Feverfew and butterbur..

Read their reviews on amazon ..

Leme know if they work for u too :) :)

[marlena123456]

Although I do not feel immediate or severe discomfort when exposed to ambient light from fluorescent bulbs, I am EXTREMELY sensitive to direct sources of blue light such as television and computer screens, oncoming headlights from cars during evening/night-time driving, etc. Within a minute my face will begin tensing up and I will get a migraine, pressure in my eyes and face, in general fatigue and malaise. My whole face and complextion will change significantly soon after. The pain is unbearable and very debilitating. I am completely fine if I avoid such triggers. I have recently started using  sunglasses with red lenses to block out the blue-wavelength light as well as sometimes yellow lenses. These work very well. In cases of very bright light, I have to double up on the sunglasses and will wear my regular dark brown underneath another pair of sunglasses with red lenses. It is that bad! I do recommend red lenses though. If you have not given it a try, it is absolutely worth doing so. The one issue I have is the cosmetic appearance of wearing sunglasses indoors. I have heard of red contact lenses for severe light sensitivity/photophobia but am researching options as I want something dark enough to be able to help me. I do not want to waste money on lenses that are not dark or red enough and are non-refundable. If anyone knows of where I can get such lense in Connecticut or around New York City, I would appreciate it very much.

[River79]

I've recently started getting head pressure, ear pressure and eye strain and it is most worst in supermarkets or department stores. I don't even go shopping anymore n just shop online because if I even go to the local supermarket for 10 minutes, I start feeling head pressure, swaying feeling and general fatigue. Then my anxiety flares up and heightens the symotoms!! Could this be sensitivity to the lighting? And is it possible to suddenly start? I was never like this before! It was only after I was diagnosed with low iron, vit D and b12. I started treatment for them and as I started to feel a little better, this started

[rodeo123]

I had an experience recently...I was changing the lights outside my house...theyre 3 watt COB LEDs and after changing them I kept the lights switched ON while screwing the cover back on...it was for a span of 1 - 2 minutes where I screwed the cover back on and I was in close proximity with the LED light although I was not directly staring at it...specially my left eye...after this I experienced some sort of dizziness and unusual disorientation which I have never felt before...can this happen within a span of 1 - 2 minutes while changing the LED bulb??
If this can happen, how many days does it take for me to get back into a normal state? The outer cover of the buld DOES say that do not look into light directly as it may cause harmful effects to your eyes...I assume that's if you look into it for a longer period of time!!
Please reply!!

[SBlights]

I began to first notice the connection between florescent lights and migraine for me 9 years ago. In the past 4 years it has become unbearable. These lights are my #1 migraine trigger. In fact, this is the cause 80% of the time. Not only do florescent lights bring on a really bad migraine.....they make me instantly irritable like I am under assault and I can feel the energy from them like pulsations of energy hitting me in the forehead and the face. My skin will look as though it is sunburned in the middle of winter. Nausea is a factor and I completely loose my ability to concentrate. I have been a medical sales representative for 20 years calling on physicians and nurses and live in the midwest of the USA. This is NOT a well known issue for most people and my manager in my last job would not allow me to wear sunglasses in meetings. I worry for my livelihood. I seldom shop in Target, WalMart, HomeDepot as I have to run in and out ASAP and still even 10 minutes of that will trigger a bad migraine. I take preventative medication for migraine as well as a triptan (Maxalt) and all the recommended supplements such as CoQ10, magnesium, etc. I have narrowed my migraines down to ONE PRIMARY CAUSE and that is Florescent Lights. I am not sensitive to the good old sun, nor do I have any other health issues. These lights put out a strong EMF electromagnetic frequency and so there is a scientific reason. Some of us are more sensitive to EMF's than others. I am going to check into purchasing a pendant to wear from EarthCalm which protects from EMF and see if this helps. Otherwise my nephew is soon to graduate from mechanical engineering school and I am hoping to interest him in inventing a protective device for those of us who are EMF Sensitive.

[Nanoose]

I was about to respond the same EXACTLY. I feel like I'm having an anxiety attack whenever I enter a mall or large store with bright fluorescent lighting.  My brain feels like it's buzzing, my heart rate increases, and I'm afraid I'll pass out. I haven't had cataract or laser surgery, but my eyes seem more sensitive to my contact lenses.  

[joloo]

EXACTLY!  I'm glad it is not just me!  When I go the the big store the lighting makes me lightheaded and it also feels like I am moving through heavy air.  I have to really concentrate to make it through my shopping.  I instantly get dizzy when I am under fluorescent.  My vision during those times is what I would call "disconnected".  I'm seeing,  but my brain is having extra trouble compensating.  I did have laser surgery 15 years ago, but just noticed this within the last 5.

[DeLorisM]

2 yrs agao I had a cataract removed and a lens implanted.  Several weeks ago, I had a laser procedure to clean the cloudiness off of it.  Ever since then whenever I go into a Walmart store I can make it through bout 1/2 way and things get REAL blurry.  It is all I can do to make it home.  I can read the billboards things are that blurry.  In talking to my brother last night it came to me that it is the florescent lighting in Walmart that is causing it.  Why now and not before the procedure, I don't know.  The eye specialist and my eye doc both say I have a little bit of nearsightedness and I can wear glasses for distance if I want or not, it's up to me.  I felt crazy until I fount this site!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I am going to get me some uv sunglasses and see if that helps.  At least I have things I can try now.  Hugs and good luck to all!  DeLoris

[Aussie_Lady]

Irlen lenses are coloured filters which are overlaid onto prescription or non-prescription lenses. The colour is selected by an Irlen practitioner to find the best colour for your specific condition. There is a lot of information on the Internet. The syndrome is known as Irlen-Meares Syndrome, or Irlen Syndrome, or Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome. It is, as someone pointed out above, a condition relating to the way the brain processes visual information, so eye doctors and optometrists may not be looking for this condition because they are diagnosing physiological eye problems. An example site is here:

http://irlen.com/irlen-self-test-for-light-sensitivity/

(Suggestion: try the different coloured backgrounds available on that site by clicking the coloured glasses icons at the top of each page on that site.)

I was diagnosed with this condition in 1999 and have used coloured filters ever since. I still get my prescription lenses but have them overlaid with the correct colour.

Although it doesn't completely solve my sensitivity to fluorescent light, it helps a lot with reading. I find the flicker of the fluoro lights makes my condition a lot worse than using well placed, not too bright natural light, or an incandescent lamp.I just bought an LED lamp which can be adjusted for brightness and the colour can be adjusted to warm or cool light.

I came to this site because a manager at my workplace suddenly decided to turn all the fluoro (that's Aussie language, pronounced "flue-ro", LOL) lights back on in the building, thereby ignoring the needs of a number of people who have sensitivity to fluoro lights. I have been told I have to be reassessed by the Irlen people and to get a report from them outlining the adjustments I need in the office. I have had the adjustments there for many years but for some reason they have "forgotten" that and I have to start from the beginning again.

It's good to see so many people here sharing your experiences, and frustrations.

[andyrwebman]

I've had my eyes tested and have up to date prescriptions, yet simply cannot tolerate bright fluorescent light. I have to reposition myself in a dark spot in the office - fortunately I have an understanding company.

If I have to sit under one for prolonged periods, I get a migraine. It's horrible.

[leem1236]

My eye Dr. stated try putting a regular light facing a wall around you. I have done this now for 3 days and no headaches..yeah

[Yesurbius]

I feel absolutely wiped when I come into the office.  I spent over a year trying to figure it out - getting bloodwork done .. ensuring I get enough exercise and sleep .. etc.  They had a power issue one day with the lights -- all lights were out  .. and I noticed that my productivity increased and my eyes were not sore that day.    That clued me into it.   I went to an optometrist and asked if I could see someone regarding light sensitivity.   As it was explained to me .. fair skinned people have little pigmentation ..  that same lack of pigmentation exists in the back of the eye, and it causes a sensitivity to light.  The only thing you can do is to wear darkened glasses or glasses with an anti-reflective coat - but this won't fix the issue - it'll just assist.    Darkened glasses will cause eye strain if you are working on a computer.   The best solution is really to turn out the lights.  Many people with their own offices do that - its us cubicle monkeys that cannot.

[donnamarelle]

light sensitivity --WEAR A HAT WITH A PEAK  - been having a problem for years, plaza's and stores and offices especially.  Just a peak of some sort works great. Keep a few in the car always ready, sunny days, plaza's etc etc.  The light also makes my eyes a bit dry, but lubricating drops help.
Hope this helps  Donna

[paulo42]

Hi Holly
I get sore eyes  followed by a headache and inability to concentrate and think clearly after being under fluorescent lights. I wear red/amber tinted contact lenses which help a lot. The are the same as the Nike Maxsight amber sport lenses which have been discontinued. But I get mine made from a local contact lens manufacturer.

[toodygoodshoes]

I also have a problem with fluorescent lighting.  I have nystagmus (involuntary jerky eye movement) and this may be why fluorescent lights make my eyes feel so tired.  My vision is also affected.  It's hard to explain, but everything looks slightly "grainy".  I notice this when grocery shopping  or when I'm sitting in the waiting room of doctors' offices.  I'm retired, so I'm not subjected to fluorescent lighting every day.  

[Katie0327]

I have had this problem for a while now and thought this could be the issue. I work in a small cubical yet full enclosed office with a 2x2 light over head with (2) 35 watt lights in it. Been trying to get approved for a cover to maybe take the glare away. Working under that light and on the computer ALL day kills me!!

[jsbreal]

Hi Holly.  I have had extreme sensitivity to florescent lights (acutally - any lighting except in candescent or sunlight) for the past 25 years.  Milder senstivity since 40 years ago.  I have multiple sclerosis.  I have had neurologists tell me it is NOT ms.  And others who say it IS.  I wear dark amber glasses (green or gray do not help)  almost everywhere since the offensive light is everywhere!  I get extreme headaches -often migraines - even with the amber glasses on.  Then I get exhausted and have to sleep.  I feel so isolated because I can go nowhere.   I cannot believe there are no answers for us.  So very frustrating!