DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been meaning for the longest time to comment on an article of yours relative to eye tics.
A number of years ago I suffered with an eye tic that was driving me mad and I couldn’t imagine the cause. Then, one day I bumped into a sign painter who recognized the problem immediately. He asked me if I was doing any intense eye work under a fluorescent light. I answered that I was. I was creating artworks, using the silk screening process and highly-detailed stencil cutting was involved.
He explained to me that a fluorescent bulb has an undetectable blink and that using one for intense work can cause your eyes to blink in sympathy with the bulb. I changed to an incandescent bulb and the tic immediately disappeared. I hope that this information will help someone who is suffering as I was. Keep up your good work, it is most sincerely appreciated.
DEAR READER: Eye tics, eyelid twitching, and facial muscle twitching are common complaints. In many cases the problem only lasts for a few minutes and isn’t noticeable to those around the sufferer. However, for some, the twitching can be severe and can cause a large portion of the face to contract painfully. It can last for several hours, days, weeks, or even longer. It can occur for unknown or benign reasons or may be the result of a serious medical problem.
Eyelid twitching as a result of fluorescent lighting isn’t a common complaint; however, to the best of my knowledge, no research has been done to definitely conclude if this is possible. That said, there is plenty of anecdotal information available from individuals who have found that fluorescent lighting is problematic for them. Sufferers have also reported that headaches, visual disturbances and more can also occur.
There is some research that shows that certain populations are more sensitive to the possible negative effects of fluorescent lighting. These include those with autism (who may be much more light sensitive) and those with balance issues. Children with these problems and even those without them are more prone to the effects of fluorescent lighting, as well.
In my opinion, what the problems boils down to is light sensitivity. Those with more sensitive eyes are more likely to experience the headaches, twitching and visual disturbances associated with the offending light sources. Other problematic situations may include bright sunshine such as occurs on the beach on a summer day or from the snow on a bright winter day. Some individuals may also be sensitive to firelight. Any light source which causes squinting or closing the eyes due to the discomfort may eventually lead to the same symptoms unless steps are taken to accommodate and protect the eyes.
Fluorescent lighting is prevalent in today’s homes, offices and workplaces. Combined with society’s penchant for overuse of computers, smart phones, television and other sources of eye strain, things are likely to only get worse. In any case, I urge you to speak with an ophthalmologist and undergo a thorough eye exam to determine if there is an underlying condition that is causing you to experience light sensitivity.
