There are numerous chronic conditions in which light plays a significant role, either as a trigger before an attack or as a symptom during or after it. Here are a few facts about light sensitivity and chronic illness that may surprise you.

Photophobia

• There are dozens of conditions that cite photophobia or painful light sensitivity as a medically-recognized symptom.
  More info: Photophobia and Headache Disorders: An Overview
• Wearing sunglasses indoors for an extended period can actually increase light sensitivity over time (known as “dark adaptation”)
  More info: Chronic Dark Adaptation: The Problem With Wearing Sunglasses Indoors

Migraine / Headache Disorders

• Specific wavelengths of blue light (480 to 520nm) have been shown to be the most harmful in triggering or worsening migraine symptoms; blue light is especially prevalent, including in fluorescent lighting, sunlight, LED/LCD screens and other common sources.
  More info: Light of Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell (ipRGC) Causing Migraine Headache Exacerbation
• Fluorescent lighting has been shown to double the rate of headaches reported by office workers.
  More info: LED Lighting Flicker and Potential Health Concerns

Fibromyalgia

• 50% of fibromyalgia patients suffer from external sensitivities, including those that come from bright lights and smells (Fibromyalgia Network, 1999)
  More info: Neurologic Relief Centers

Epilepsy

• About 3 to 5 percent of the 2.7 million Americans with epilepsy (approximately 100,000 individuals) are photosensitive.
  More info: Epilepsy Foundation
• Light sensitivity affects younger epileptic patients at a greater rate. In fact, more than 30% of people with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy are photosensitive.
  More info: Epilepsy Research UK

Eye Strain

• Adults under 30 years of age have higher rates of digital eye strain symptoms (73%) compared with other age groups.
• More than 90% of individuals with digital eye strain reported using devices for more than two hours per day.
  More info: Digital Eye Strain Report 2016

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