And shiny surfaces, like metal or jewelry, may be some of the biggest offenders. So even if you cut out the direct brightness, you might be hit by the reflection. They reflect off so many surfacesĪlthough not unique to LEDs, Christmas lights reflect off a variety of surfaces. This means that even if you can bypass one moment of exposure to holiday lighting, the repeated subjection to it will eventually get to you by lowering the threshold of what your brain can handle-thus leading to the onset of pain and other symptoms. Not only does this increase the odds that you might be surprised with bright light exposure, but there is a greater likelihood of trigger “stacking” too. Even if you make your best effort, it can be difficult to avoid them. They are literally inescapableĭuring the Christmas season, specialty LED displays permeate our streets, our shops, and the homes of our family and friends who celebrate it. This trips the proverbial wires in the brain, leading to an avalanche of symptoms that ranges from headaches to eye pain and dizziness. And of course, this spectrum of visible light can have profound effects on our health, with very specific wavelengths-the most harmful ones-even activating specific cells in the eyes of sensitive persons. They are doused with blue lightĪrtificial light, and especially LEDs, can have higher concentrations of blue light, even if the holiday lights themselves don’t appear blue to the eye. It is that jarring light-dark disparity that can be overwhelming. A similar effect occurs with LED car headlights that pierce the darkness at night and cause pain for people with photophobia. However, this creates a stark contrast between the surrounding dim space and the brightness that hits the eyes this is well established to negatively impact those with migraine, among other light-sensitive conditions. It’s no secret that to enjoy the full effect of Christmas lights, you generally want to view them after dark or in low-light environments. Now imagine being exposed to those intricate lighting showpieces that feature hundreds, even thousands, of timed lights that flash rapidly! They sure do look cool, but only if your eyes can stand them for more than a few seconds of viewing. The effect of movement of the lighting can further harm a person with vestibular disorders and/or motion sensitivity. For instance, many with migraine have negative responses to flashing lights, in large part because of the sensory dysfunction that contributes to how their eyes and brains process light. They often flicker and flashĮven the most basic of holiday LED lighting setups have visible flickering effects-offering a fun spin on static Christmas displays but also posing a risk for light-sensitive individuals. Here are five reasons why these often bright, colorful and at times extravagant displays can hurt the eyes and brains of those susceptible to light. The holiday season fills so many all over the United States and around the world with cheer, but it can also fill light-sensitive people with dread, and sometimes pain, on account of Christmas and holiday lighting, especially LEDs.
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