Migraine Explained: Photophobia
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Photophobia or light sensitivity is an intolerance to light. Many chronic illnesses include this as a symptom so having a dark room to escape to is very important.
I have a severe sensitivity to light and am unable to tolerate the light coming in from a window. I have to be careful in restaurants and stores to make sure that I am not facing a window. Some people with migraine related photophobia only have the discomfort during an attack. Others, like me, have severe light sensitivity all the time and the light even triggers migraine attacks.
“About 80 percent of people who have migraines have photophobia. It is one of the diagnostic criteria and is considered one of the predictors of the debilitating headaches nearly 98 percent of the time. Migraine sufferers are more sensitive to light between migraine episodes than are other people. Moreover, people who have chronic migraines are more light-sensitive than those who have sporadic migraines.”
American Academy of Ophthalmology
What Helps Photophobia?
One of the things that I have found that has helped is creating a dark room. This can be easier said than done. After trying many different kinds of blackout window coverings, I have recently found the best product for achieving this.
Disclaimer:
This is not a sponsored post. This is a review of a product that I purchased and found helpful.
Blackout EZ is a window covering like no other. Because they actually adhere to the window casing with velcro, there are no peeks of light that comes through the edges like there is with any type of curtain. One of the best parts is that you can still have your decorative window coverings.
The Blackout EZ window covering was very easy to install and has made my room darker than I could have imagined.
I had to have mine in custom sizes because my windows are not standard sizes. I was happy with the price and found them not to be any more expensive than other custom window coverings I have tried and these worked much better.
Other Products that Help with Photophobia
Migraine Glasses
Migraine Glasses have a special formulated tint that helps to block the glare from artificial and natural light. Reducing the glare is very helpful in places where flourescent lighting is used. Axon Optics is one company that provides Migraine glasses that has the FL-41 tint.
Blue Block Glasses
Blue Block glasses helps prevent tired eyes and helps block the blue light that can trigger migraine. Since we live in the computer age, we are always looking at our screens. These screens emit mostly blue light that can cause eyestrain and trigger Migraine.
No matter what causes your photophobia, there are things that can be done to minimize the impact it has on your life. By creating a dark space in your home, it gives your eyes a chance to rest from the times you can’t control what lights you are exposed to.
I am very happy with my Blackout EZ window covering and will be adding them to some other areas of my home that is exposed to a high amount of sunlight.
Other Related Topics:
- Migraine Explained: Cognitive Dysfunction
- Migraine Explained: Migraine Triggers
- Migraine Explained: Season Change
- Migraine Explained: Allodynia
- Migraine Explained: Status Migrainosus
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and first hand accounts about a serious medical condition. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
