This is a guest post written by John Martinez with Axon Optics.
We’re all a little sensitive to bright lights, but some people can be more sensitive to sensory stimuli than others.
Light sensitivity (also known as photophobia) is a symptom of an assortment of medical conditions, including migraine, fibromyalgia, and even ADHD. For some people with light sensitivity, fluorescent lighting can trigger a migraine. For others, switching from dark to light can be very uncomfortable and even painful.
If this sounds like you, we’ve got a few tips on how to manage your photophobia. Everyone experiences light sensitivity in different ways, so experiment with these different solutions until you find what works for you.
Give Your Eyes a Break
Unfortunately, working on a computer or staring at your phone will not help to cure photophobia. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Putting your eyes through so much strain will only increase sensitivity to light.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes that you are staring at a computer, phone, or television, stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Phew. That’s better.
Have a Kale Smoothie
You probably already know that carrots are great for your eyesight. But did you know that dark, leafy greens can also reduce photophobia? Kale, spinach, and any other foods that contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin should be on next week’s grocery list.
Start Rocking Baseball Caps
Before you head outside, grab a hat that will provide some shade. Even the smallest relief from the sun’s rays can help to prevent the symptoms of photophobia. Plus, we think you look pretty good in a baseball hat. Just saying.
Skip the Sunglasses Indoors
Sunglasses indoors sounds like a smart way to avoid the glare of bright lighting, but it can actually be bad for your photophobia. Our eyes get used to a certain type of light pretty quickly. The more you wear sunglasses, the harder it will be for your eyes to handle bright lighting. At some point you’re going to have to take the sunglasses off, so don’t make things any harder for yourself.
Manage Migraine Stressors
People with migraines may experience heightened photophobia just before, during, or just after an attack. Learn what else triggers your migraines and manage these stressors appropriately to avoid worsened symptoms.
The same idea goes for any condition that causes photophobia. Talk to a doctor about handling the root cause of your photophobia.
Wear Migraine Glasses
Sunglasses indoors feel nice because they filter out the harmful wavelengths that trigger photophobia. They also filter out all forms of light. What if you could just filter out the harmful rays without making your eyes less tolerant to light?
Oh, you can.
Scientists have developed migraine glasses that only filter out the blue and green wavelengths that trigger migraines. The glasses (also known as FL-41 glasses) have a nice rose tint so they’re a stylish solution to all types of photophobia.
So what are you waiting for? Try out these tips and see what works best for you.
This is a guest post shared by John Martinez with Axon Optics, with whom we have no business partnership or affiliation. We hope you find the tips helpful and will leave a comment if you have experience with these glasses, other tips or any questions!
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This is such an informative post and a great learning experience. Great tips which I am passing on to my sister who suffers quite a lot due to attacks of migraine.
Thanks for passing this on. I hope this will help your sister find some relief – Julie, EngRad Team
I had no idea they made migraine glasses! Those sound like they’d be great for helping with sensitivity. I didn’t know that sunglasses indoors actually made it worse.
Sunglasses is great for outdoors but wear them indoors it really does more harm than good. – Julie, EngRad Team
This is really interesting – I have to admit I am sensitive to light and I wear sunglasses almost all year around now as I find it so hard.
I used to wear it when I work in front of the computer and thenfound my eyes getting more sensitive to light. I stopped it. It would better to find other alternatives. – Julie, EngRad Team
I have to show this to my friend! She has terrible migraines and awful light sensitivity.
Thanks for passing this post to your friend. Hopefully it helps her. – Julie, EngRad Team
Thanks for the tip! I am of those that are just so sensitive to light! Like I really wanna work on a dim environment. Thanks for the 20-20-20 tip!
No problem. Glad it helps you. – Julie, EngRad Team
Thanks for giving one more reason to eat Kale and Spinach. Never thought of them in a smoothie.
Kale and Spinash smoothie tastes delicious too! – Julie, EngRad Team
These are some amazing ideas. Light can really distract me when I have a migraine.
I used to have real issues with it. These methods are very helpful for sufferers!
Thanks Tiffany. Glad to hear that these methods help people with their migraines. – Julie, EngRad Team
I have lupus so this is something I always struggle with. These tips are very helpful especially with summer coming up!
Enjoy your summer ! – Julie, EngRad Team
Great tips. I didn’t know these and will certainly apply them for future use!
Would love to hear an update from you on how it goes, and let us know if you have any questions. – Julie, EngRad Team
Honestly, did not know there were migraine glasses. I will have to tell my co-worker about this. She suffers from them.
Migraine glasses are really helpful for a lot of people. Thank you for passing this tip along. – Julie, EngRad Team
my friend is suffering from migraine. i shall forward your post to her. it might be helpful for her!
Always check with your optometrist. Also, drink that healthy kale smoothie! Yum!
I love Kale and Kale smoothies! – Julie, EngRad Team
Very little help though sadly for anyone who has constant chronic migraine …with photophobia, and sensitivity to barometric pressure, heat, smells,chemicals …..for them there is absolutely not one single thing which helos
Helen – keto diet for me has been a game changer. I’m not “cured” by any means, but the intensity and duration are certainly much improved. I have sensitivities to all those you listed as well.
The game keeps updating in each and every NFL season.