For those who suffer from fluorescent light sensitivity, there are thankfully a few different solutions. Let’s explore a few of the most popular options.
How to Reduce Sensitivity to Fluorescent Lights?
For many people, exposure to fluorescent light can cause headaches, eyestrain, and fatigue. If you’re one of the millions of people who experience these symptoms, there are some things you can do to reduce your sensitivity to fluorescent light.
Use full-spectrum lighting.
Fluorescent lights emit blue light, which can be harsh on the eyes. To offset the blue light, try using full-spectrum lighting in your home or office. This type of lighting emits a broader range of colors, including red and yellow, which can help reduce eye strain.
Get new bulbs.
If you have old fluorescent bulbs, they may be causing more eye strain than newer bulbs. That’s because older bulbs tend to flicker more than newer ones. Flickering can cause headaches and make it difficult to concentrate. If you can’t get new bulbs, try covering your existing bulbs with a overlay to reduce the amount of flickering you see.
Adjust the color temperature.
The color temperature is the measure of how “warm” or “cool” a light source appears. Lights with a lower color temperature will appear warmer (more yellow), while lights with a higher color temperature will appear cooler (more blue). If you find that fluorescent lights are too harsh for your eyes, try adjusting the color temperature down to make them appear warmer. You can do this by using different light bulbs or by attaching a color filter over your existing bulbs.
If you’re sensitive to fluorescent lights, there are some things you can do to reduce the effects of exposure. Try using full-spectrum lighting, newer light bulbs, or adjusting the color temperature down to make the lights appear warmer. By taking these steps, you can help reduce your headaches, eyestrain, and fatigue caused by fluorescent lights.
5 Solutions for those with Fluorescent Light Sensitivity
Do you find yourself feeling nauseous, dizzy, or getting headaches after being in a room with fluorescent light? You are not alone. An estimated 2-3% of the population has a condition called Intolerance of Fluorescent Lights (IFL), which is also sometimes called Hypersensitivity to Flickering Lights (HSFL). IFL can cause a variety of symptoms, including migraines, vertigo, difficulty concentrating, and even nausea.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help mitigate the symptoms of IFL. Below are five solutions for those with fluorescent light sensitivity.
Mitigation solution 1 – bulbs:
One solution is to switch out the fluorescent bulbs in your home or office for LED bulbs. LED bulbs do not flicker like fluorescent bulbs, which can help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Mitigation solution 2 – film:
Another solution is to apply a film to your existing fluorescent light fixtures. This will help diffract the light and reduce the flickering effect.
Mitigation solution 3 – auspicious timing:
If possible, time your exposure to fluorescent light so that it does not coincide with when your symptoms are at their worst. For some people, this means avoiding fluorescent light altogether; for others, it might mean only being exposed for short periods of time.
Mitigation solution 4 – awareness:
Be aware of your triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible. If you know that certain colors of light make your symptoms worse, try to stay away from those colors. And if certain patterns of flickering are more bothersome than others, try to avoid those patterns as well.
Mitigation solution 5 – distance:
Finally, if you cannot avoid exposure to fluorescent light entirely, try to distance yourself from the source as much as possible. The further away you are from the light source, the less intense the symptoms will be.
If you suffer from IFL or HSFL, know that you are not alone. There are steps you can take to lessen the impact of your symptoms and make life more bearable. Try out some of the solutions above and see what works best for you.
What Causes Sensitivity to Fluorescent Lighting?
Fluorescent light sensitivity is common because it’s used in so many offices, schools, and public places. For decades, it was considered the most efficient way to light a structure, despite its terrible side effects. More than two-thirds of employees are unhappy with their desk illumination, according to a recent research. See how American workers describe fluorescent light problems:
Slowly, fluorescent alternatives are gaining popularity.
As said, underlying disorders can also induce fluorescent light sensitivity. More than 35 million people have migraines, and most also have light sensitivity. Fluorescents are said to exacerbate autistics’ environmental sensitivities. TBI and concussion patients can be hypersensitive to fluorescent lights due to their injuries. Artificial lighting can provoke epilepsy episodes.
Fluorescent lighting’s qualities alter a person’s tolerance. Them:
- Eye strain, headaches, and migraines are all possible side effects of exposure to blue light.
- Low-frequency flicker that the brain absorbs but the eye can’t see.
- Light sensitivity can be triggered by overall brightness.
FAQs
How do you relieve sensitivity from fluorescent lights?
Blink your eyes often to keep them moist. If fluorescent lights bother your eyes, wear sunglasses that cover your whole face or a visor. Use eye drops to keep your eyes from getting dry. Move your computer away from windows to cut down on the sun’s glare.
Why are my eyes so sensitive to fluorescent lights?
There are a number of possible reasons why your eyes might be sensitive to fluorescent lights. One possible explanation is that you are experiencing light sensitivity as a side effect of certain medications that you are taking. Another possibility is that you may have migraines or dry eye syndrome, which can both cause photophobia due to changes in the moisture levels and nerve function in your eyes. Additionally, abnormal pathology or damage to the retina or other parts of the eye can lead to light sensitivity, as can other underlying medical conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or systemic lupus erythematosus. Whatever the cause of your photophobia, it is important to seek medical attention to get properly diagnosed and address the issue. Through a combination of medication and therapy, you can hopefully manage your sensitivity to fluorescent lights and start enjoying life again with clear, comfortable vision.
How do you overcome light sensitivity?
Many techniques exist to manage photophobia. To treat this problem, gradually expose yourself to more light. This can be done by replacing harsh fluorescent light bulbs with softer, natural-looking lighting. Also, LEDs can be very hard on the eyes.
Learning how to use window curtains can help you overcome light sensitivity. Fully opening your shades during the day can let in more natural light and may make you feel less uncomfortable. If strong daylight is too much for you, closing your shades can also help.
In addition to light exposure, it’s crucial to monitor any drugs that could contribute to photophobia. Some patients may be allergic to antibiotics, hypertension medicines, opioids, or cardiac medications. If light makes you feel ill but you haven’t changed your habit or environment, consult your doctor about probable adverse effects from prescription or over-the-counter treatments.
The best technique to overcome light sensitivity is to modify illumination and manage other triggers. With patience and determination, you can find relief from this distressing ailment and enjoy the outdoors without anxiety.
Conclusion
If you suffer from fluorescent light sensitivity, then there are thankfully a few different solutions available. Wearing sunglasses or investing in a pair of transition lenses can help to reduce the amount of glare that you experience. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help you to change your reaction to the trigger itself. And finally, changing your diet might also help as certain foods can make your symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor about which solution might be best for you and give one or more of them a try!