Light Sensitivity Tips for Managing Migraine Pain and Vision Issues

Coping With Photophobia and Ocular Discomfort in Migraine

If you live with migraine, you know all too well how normal light can become excruciating during an attack. Estimates suggest anywhere from 60 to 85 percent of those with this severe headache condition also battle light and visual sensitivity known as photophobia.

What Triggers Painful Photophobia?

Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes migraine-related light sensitivity, but possibilities include:

• Increased nerve signals between the eyes and brain
• Enhanced excitability of visual neurons
• Overactive optic nerve transmission
• Dysfunction in pain modulating pathways

Any stimulation of photoreceptor cells in the retinas appears capable of setting off the cascade of reactions leading to head and eye discomfort and pain.

Why Does Light Hurt With a Migraine Attack?

Research continues seeking a better understanding of the mechanisms behind light sensitivity accompanying migraine attacks. Current theories suggest it relates to how the nerves, brain, blood vessels, and pain pathways interact and become over-reactive to light stimuli.

Not everyone experiences migraine pain the same either. So perceptions of light can cause variances in pain severity and visual distortions among different individuals.

Types of Visual Discomfort

Light sensitivity may show up in different ways before, during, or after migraine episodes. Here are some of the most commonly reported visual symptoms and distortions.

Photophobia

This refers specifically to fear of light or aversion to normal indoor or outdoor light due to extreme sensitivity causing pain. Trying to go about normal tasks under regular lighting can feel excruciating.

Photopsia

Some people experience flickering lights, pulsating colors, or other illusionary visual phenomena around light sources. These types of visual distortions fall under the term photopsia. Floating shapes may also show up in areas of blurred vision.

Night Blindness

In an opposite reaction, some people battling a migraine attack lose the ability to see well in normal low light conditions. Trying to navigate in dusk or darkness causes added difficulty and frustration.

Ocular Discomfort

Excessive tearing, burning sensations, pulsating pressure, stabbing eye pains, and strained vision are other ways light sensitivity proves problematic apart from outright photophobia pain. Just attempting to focus visually can prove challenging.

Tips and Tools For Managing Light Sensitivity

If bright sunlight, device screens, indoor lighting, or visual focusing prove painful during migraine episodes, taking proactive steps can provide some relief. Consider these tips and tools for easing symptoms.

Wear Tinted Glasses

Keep prescription or over-the-counter lightly tinted glasses or interchangeable clip-on lenses handy. Gray, amber, yellow, green, or rose shades can help filter light. Test different hues to determine personal preferences.

Try Special Migraine Lenses

Companies like Axon Optics and Theraspecs craft special migraine glasses or filters designed specifically to block or manipulate wavelengths of light most likely to trigger headaches and visual symptoms in those with light sensitivity issues.

Adjust Environment and Lighting

Draw blinds, curtains, or shades in rooms and car windows. Dim overhead and task lighting as needed or tolerate only indirect, shaded light. Install smart bulbs allowing lighting adjustments via voice command or app if easier than manual switches when pain sets in.

Limit Screen Time

Reduce use of phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and other displays giving off intense blue light emissions. Activate nighttime reader modes, lower brightness levels, enlarge text for easier reading, or listen to audio instead of watching videos.

Rest Eyes Frequently

Make an effort to close eyes periodically and rest them in darkness. Even just brief respites of a few minutes can offer relieve and refreshment before resuming visual tasks. Lie down in dark, quiet space if possible.

Try Hot and Cold Therapies

Applying a warm eye mask, cool gel pack, or even a simple cool damp cloth over closed eyes can alleviate pain and strain. Use whatever temperature therapy provides better comforting relief for you.

Medications For Photophobia

Both acute treatments to stop migraine attacks and preventive daily medications may potentially help limit sensitivity to light.

Triptans

These abortive migraine drugs constrict swollen blood vessels and dampen pain pathways chemicals like CGRP. Reducing overall pain often simultaneously addresses associated light sensitivity as well.

NSAIDs

Anti-inflammatory pain relievers can make migraines more tolerable, including light and vision issues. Beware NSAID overuse causing medication overuse headache though.

Nerve Blocks

Injections like greater occipital nerve blocks use anesthetics to numb nerve pain signals originating from the neck and head. For some this relieves light sensitivity flares too.

CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies

New migraine preventive injections like Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality specifically bind to CGRP molecules contributing to pain pathway inflammation. Over time this calms multiple symptoms.

Anti-Seizure Medications

Seizure and nerve pain drugs including gabapentin and topiramate sometimes prescribed for migraines may also incidentally improve tolerance to visual stimuli.

When To Seek Emergency Care

While learning to manage light sensitivity and eye discomfort during migraine attacks takes patience and perseverance, also know when to seek urgent help. Contact your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you experience:

• Sudden loss of vision
• One pupil appearing dilated and unresponsive
• Twisted neck with headache
• Face drooping
• Arm or leg weakness
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Vision issues alongside the above neurologic symptoms can signal stroke requiring immediate medical intervention.

See an Eye Doctor

If you rely on corrective lenses, ensure prescriptions stay up to date. Discuss migraines and related visual disturbances with your eye doctor as well. They may suggest options like tinting lenses or recommend therapies to try. Also schedule an appointment if you experience any sudden vision changes or loss of vision not clearly migraine-related.

Alternative Therapies

Integrative treatments like biofeedback, meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and cupping may help some migraine sufferers better handle light sensitivity flares when incorporated into an overall management plan. Relaxation and lifestyle measures that calm the nervous system can dampen pain pathway responses.

Create an Oasis

Establish a designated low stimulation "cave" equipped with eye masks, ear plugs, essential oil diffuser, cozy blankets, and other comforting items to retreat to when migraines and photophobia hit hard. Make it as simple as a bed in a dark, quiet room or go all out with big comfy pillows and bean bag chairs decked out with fairy lights to control.

Migraine-related vision issues can make normal tasks difficult and interfere with work, school, socializing, exercise, and overall quality of life. Taking steps to shield yourself from problematic lighting and establish an eye-friendly environment can help you better manage. Stay in touch with your doctor as new treatments continue emerging as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.