Do Fluorescent Lights Trigger Your Headaches? Glasses and Tips for Light Sensitivity

Do Fluorescent Lights Trigger Headaches and Migraines?

Fluorescent lighting is ubiquitous in office environments, stores, schools and other public indoor spaces. But for some people, exposure to the intense white light and flicker of fluorescents can actually trigger headaches, eyestrain and migraines.

Why Are Fluorescents Problematic?

Fluorescent tubes emit light very differently than natural sunlight or incandescent bulbs. Issues include:

• Intense brightness
• Excess blue and ultraviolet light
• Flicker at a rapid, imperceptible frequency
• A buzzing electrical sound

Light Sensitive Symptoms

Many people experience symptoms after extended exposure to fluorescents including:

• Headaches concentrated around the eyes/temples
• Eyestrain and difficulty focusing
• Increased light sensitivity
• Migraines or migraine aura
• Nausea

Can Special Glasses Block Fluorescent Light Sensitivity?

Specialized prescription eyeglasses designed to filter excess blue/UV light and glare may help reduce fluorescent lighting triggers. Key options include:

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating

AR coated lenses can decrease eyestrain glare and reflections that contribute to headaches.

Blue-Blocking Lenses

Yellow tinted lenses or specialty coatings prevent blue/violet wavelengths from reaching your eyes. This alleviates visual fatigue, strain and migraines.

Polarized or Variable Tint

Glare-reducing polarized lenses self-adjust tint in changing light conditions for optimized comfort indoors and out.

FL-41 Lenses

Originally designed to treat light sensitivity in migraine patients, FL-41 tinted lenses absorb specific wavelengths while allowing visible light transmission.

Other Tips to Minimize Fluorescent Triggers

Take Screen Breaks

Frequently look away from bright computer screens to a distance of ~20 feet for at least 20 seconds. This eye reset helps avoid stare fatigue.

Use Natural Light

Sit near windows where possible to incorporate gentler, full-spectrum sunlight with fluorescent overhead fixtures.

Install Task Lighting

Personal desk lamps provide direct illumination while limiting ambient fluorescent glare and can be warmer, dimmable LEDs.

Try Blue-Blocking Screen Filters

Optical screen filters also cut down exposure to digital device blue light emissions that might augment fluorescent sensitivity.

Underlying Medical Conditions Contributing to Light Sensitivity

While fluorescent lights can bother anyone's eyes after awhile, in some cases, an underlying health condition may be making individuals extra vulnerable to triggers. These include:

Migraine Disorder

Photophobia (light sensitivity) is a common symptom in roughly 75% of chronic migraine sufferers, stemming from neurological hypersensitivity.

Chronic Dry Eye

Lack of sufficient tear film moisture can cause general irritation, pain and discomfort from light exposure, especially from digital screens.

Asthenopia

Also known as eye strain, pain, fatigue or headaches after near work. Uncorrected vision problems often contribute to focus issues.

Traumatic Brain Injury History

Past concussions can disrupt nerves and brain tissue, creating abnormal intolerance to lights, sounds, etc. Post-traumatic migraines are also common.

Seeing an Eye Doctor for Light Sensitivity Assessment

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform specialized diagnostic exams to evaluate factors that might be amplifying fluorescent light troubles including:

Refractive Errors

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia - any uncorrected vision issues force eyes to overwork focusing under bright lights.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Misaligned eyes/poor eye teaming skills further taxes visual stamina. Prisms lenses could help in these cases.

Accommodative or Convergence Insufficiency

These common visual disorders interfere with ability to shift focus between distances or concentrate intently on near objects under bright lights.

Ocular Surface Disease

Insufficient tear production, meibomian gland dysfunction, allergies etc - any dry eye problems lead to general irritation and inflammation.

The Takeaway on Fluorescent Lenses and Migraines

Custom prescription eyeglasses can provide protection against triggers like fluorescent lighting discomfort and visual overload. But glasses shouldn't be viewed as a sole solution. Continued follow up with your doctor is key for assessing any underlying factors, while adjusting home/work environments and lifestyle habits can provide additional relief by lightening your overall migraine burden.

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.