Can Bright Lights Cause Migraines

The glow of a computer screen the glare from overhead incandescent lighting and the flicker from fluorescent lighting.

Can bright lights cause migraines.

During an ocular migraine or migraine with aura you may see flashing or shimmering lights zigzagging. For this reason even blind individuals can be extremely sensitive to certain light sources that trigger migraines. Other steps to reduce light sensitivity include. A loud noise or bright light that wouldn t bother most people.

Recent research suggests a new pathway exists between the brain and the eye that does not produce vision but can trigger pain. Light from computer monitors fluorescent lights tv screens and reflected glare may trigger migraine attacks. People who are prone to migraines tend to be highly sensitive to light including bright light flickering light high wavelength light red and low wavelength light blue. A small study in european neurology found that even.

The pathway begins at the back of the eye and travels through the optic nerve. Avoid flickering lights and glare try lightbulbs that emit green light the only band of light that does not aggravate migraine. Along with the head pain it also can cause nausea dizziness and sensitivity to light and sound. Three main types of office light are common migraine triggers.

A migraines isn t just a headache. Ocular migraines can develop with or without the accompanying pain of a classic migraine. We know that both leds and fluorescent lights can cause visual headache and migraine symptoms. In addition to the high proportion of blue light wavelengths these issues are likely a direct result of the rapid flicker they both emit.

If light sensitivity is caused by migraine treating the migraine usually relieves symptoms.