Light and other visual stimuli also can trigger migraine attacks ; for example , flickering or pulsing lights , repetitive patterns , glare , bright lights , computer screens , TV , and movies . Fluorescent light contains invisible pulsing , which is likely why so many report it as a migraine trigger . Tension-Type Headache Tension-type headache can also cause photophobia during and between headaches . However , individuals with tension-type headache are generally less sensitive to light than those with migraine .
Cluster Headache During a series , cluster headache can cause light sensitivity both during and between attacks . Between cluster series , those with cluster headache have the same levels of photophobia as those without a headache disorder .
New Daily Persistent Headache ( NDPH ) Estimates of photophobia in NDPH range from 46 percent to 66 percent , depending on the study that you are reading . A 2002 study found 48 percent of people with NDPH found pain relief by going into a dark room .
Traumatic Brain Injuries ( Concussions ) Photophobia is the most common visual problem reported by people with traumatic brain injuries ( TBI ). About 60 percent of military veterans with TBI report severe light sensitivity .
TBI can also cause a person to feel ill when exposed to fluorescent lighting , according to the International Brain Injury Association . Fluorescent light-induced symptoms can include headache , fatigue , dizziness , nausea , eye strain , eye fatigue , and increased sensitivity to visual input .
Hemicrania Continua , SUNCT , and Other Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias Although photophobia in hemicrania continua , SUNCT , and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias has not been studied extensively , photophobia is a known symptom of the headache disorders in this group .
What Types of Light are Most Problematic ? Any source of light can cause photophobia . Researchers have found that blue-green light can be particularly problematic because of the innate sensitivity of the painsensing cells in the eye . Blue green-light is everywhere , from artificial lighting like compact fluorescents , device and computer screens , and even sunshine , in studies comparing tints .
The tint that migraine glasses , such as TheraSpecs , use , called F-41 , filters those wavelengths thus reducing migraine attacks and providing the most relief for photophobia .
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