Light Sensitivity and Irlen Syndrome
While doing some research on rosacea and migraine, I went down the rabbit hole and found a page talking about light sensitivity and Irlen Syndrome. Has anyone heard about this syndrome?
Here is a brief description:
"Irlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests."
Here's the link for more information: http://irlen.com/what-is-irlen-syndrome/#
I am going to look into it. I did the self tests and it looks like this could be part of my issue. I should state that this is in addition to migraine. This syndrome can trigger migraines, so I do not want anyone to think that I'm saying they don't have migraine.
If anyone has looked into this and done the tests and have any good feedback, I'd love to hear it!
Thanks!
Hi nosirrah,
Thank you for your question and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum. Let's see what information I can give you that may be helpful.
Light sensitivity is a strong migraine trigger for some of us with migraine. Some patients I know have found relief from wearing glasses specifically designed for this. Two popular companies are TheraSpecs and Axon Opticals - you can find their information here; https://migraine.com/sponsored/sponsored-proven-migraine-relief-with-new-theraspecs-glasses/ and https://migraine.com/sponsored/are-you-ignoring-one-of-the-top-migraine-triggers/.
Because people with migraine seem to have overly sensitive brains, any type of disruption in our system can trigger attacks. Managing other conditions like Irlen syndrome can certainly help to reduce that particular trigger, hopefully reducing attack frequency. I found this information that may help; https://migraine.com/blog/what-color-of-eyewear-is-the-best-for-light-sensitivity/ and https://migraine.com/blog/fluorescent-lights-as-a-migraine-trigger-a-list-of-resources/.
I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on how you make out,
Nancy
