Today I thought I would share a little more about my story. I also suffer greatly from migraines. My doctor has told me many times they aren’t surprised by this because of the Menieres Disease. Living with chronic migraines is challenging enough, but when they’re triggered by something as prevalent as artificial lighting, managing daily life can feel like a minefield. One of my greatest struggles with migraines comes from a particular sensitivity to flickering lights, especially LEDs. While these lights might seem harmless to most, for someone like me, they’re often migraine fuel. You can imagine how tough it is to dodge something that lights up almost every place we go.
The Unavoidable Challenge
Avoiding these lights has become a bit of a mission. I’ve tried everything—special hats, different types of glasses, changing out bulbs at home, and even making changes to my daily routine to avoid certain places and times. The changes might seem drastic to some, but for those of us dealing with light-sensitive migraines, they’re a necessary lifeline.
I’ve gotten pretty creative over the years, and here are a few things I’ve found helpful:
Hats and Glasses: I’ve tried a range of glasses, some with blue light blocking lenses and others designed specifically for photophobia (light sensitivity). Hats with a wide brim also help, particularly indoors. If you seem you know, I have worn baseball hats to just about every type of event. I am also known for wearing dark sunglasses, and yes I have gotten all the comments, a particularly favorite: “do you think you look cool wearing dark sunglasses in here?”
Swapping Out Lights at Home: I avoid using LEDs as much as possible. Instead, I opt for warm, incandescent lights. Making these small changes in my own home has been helpful, but it’s tough when I leave that safe zone.
Adjusting My Schedule: I rarely go out after dark because headlights are my biggest nemesis. I’ve also learned to think twice about places I visit. I avoid concerts, restaurants with flashy décor, and even certain churches, as sometimes, the lights can be more intense than expected.
What people may not realize is how emotionally draining it can be to plan life around lights. Missing out on events or cutting a night short because of headlights and bright spaces is difficult, and I also know that this has effected and still does effect my family. They are so gracious and think about these things for me and sometimes sacrifice their own desires, or things for me. In each of these sacrifices, I remind myself of the importance of self-care. God has given me strength for this journey, and I trust He has purpose in each of these moments, even in the missed events and changed plans.
Finding Joy in the Small Moments
While I may avoid certain places and limit my time under bright lights, I am learning to seek the quieter, softer spaces that still bring me joy. There’s peace in knowing that I don’t have to be everywhere or do everything. I love natural light, I love being outside. In these quieter moments, I am finding blessings, gratitude, and calm that I might have missed if I were caught up in every event and outing. Though the lights may be intense, I know God’s light is constant, unchanging, and warm—a source of comfort that requires no shielding.
If you’re someone dealing with similar struggles, know that you aren’t alone. Adjusting to life with these limitations is difficult, but with patience, resourcefulness, and faith, we can find our way.
Do you deal with this? I would love to hear what works for you!
