Side Effects of Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent bulbs are often blamed for headaches and general eye pain in the work place. Research may indicate that these side effects are real and just the beginning of side effects that could be caused by this type of lighting. Modern advances in light bulbs are now available to give consumers several options when choosing a fluorescent bulb that won't put such a strain on their eyes.

Mental/Seizure Disorders

• Fluorescent light bulbs can be a trigger for anxiety disorders, according to healthcentral.com. This is due in part to the "unnatural" glow of fluorescent bulbs that creates a disconnect from an anxiety sufferer's sense of reality. The electricity in fluorescent bulbs cycles every 60 seconds, which impacts those that suffer from photosensitive reflex epilepsy. Seizures are caused by flashes of light or other visual stimuli, making light cycles of fluorescent bulbs problematic.

Vestibular Disorders

• Vestibular disorders affect the human center of balance (the inner ear) creating symptoms of vertigo, imbalance and dizziness among others. Fluorescent light worsens these symptoms due to its brightness and lack of warm light emission. Those experiencing symptoms of a vestibular disorder should avoid department stores and other situations where fluorescent light may be in great concentration.

Headaches and Migraines

• The power cycle, or light flicker of fluorescent bulbs using ballasts to stabilize electrical flow may cause eye pain, headaches and migraines in those prone to the fluctuation of sensory information processed by the optic nerve. Pain is reported most often in bulbs using magnetic ballasts that are an older model of fluorescent bulb. Modern ballasts are electronic and use magnets.