Increased sensitivity to light is one of the defining characteristics of migraines. Severe migraine attacks often occur behind closed blinds or in darkness. Bright light, flickering lights, strong contrasts between light and dark, and other light effects can trigger migraine attacks.
For some migraine sufferers, fluorescent lighting and energy-saving light bulbs in particular can trigger migraine attacks. Naturally, all efforts to save energy are strongly supported. However, the complete ban on incandescent bulbs in favor of so-called energy-saving lamps must be critically reconsidered. Patients with epileptic seizures, and especially migraine sufferers, may be at increased risk of seizures triggered by such light sources.
The complete ban on conventional incandescent light bulbs should therefore be reconsidered. Exceptions should be possible. This applies in particular to the use of fluorescent light sources in the workplace in conjunction with computer screen use. The fact that fluorescent lamps cannot easily be dimmed using light dimmers is also problematic.
Since energy-saving light bulbs have become increasingly common and are now almost unavoidable in everyday life, my migraine frequency has increased from quarterly attacks to three times a week. On the website of the English Migraine Action Association, I found information about glasses that filter the red and blue light spectrum of energy-saving bulbs. Since I've been wearing these glasses, the frequency of my attacks has decreased significantly. The only drawback is that the glasses also have a sun protection function and are therefore a bit dark in the evenings when I need them because of the bulbs. There's definitely room for improvement there.
I consistently experience more frequent migraines when I have to be under energy-saving light bulbs. Being under them is only possible for short periods anyway, and this has restricted my daily life for about three years. I hope that exceptions are possible, for example, at work.