Understanding Light Sensitivity & Photosensitive Epilepsy
What is Light Sensitivity and Photosensitive Epilepsy?
Light sensitivity (commonly called photophobia) is a condition where the eyes and brain react strongly to certain wavelengths and intensities of light. This can cause discomfort, pain, or other symptoms.
For people with photosensitive epilepsy, this sensitivity goes beyond discomfort—specific flashing or flickering lights can trigger seizures.
What triggers Light Sensitivity/photosensitive epilepsy?
Seizures and migraines can be triggered by various light patterns and flashes from both natural and artificial sources. Common triggers include:
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Natural light: direct sunlight, reflections off water, snow, or glass
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Artificial light: fluorescent tubes, LED headlights, bright overhead lights
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Screen light: televisions, phones, or computers—especially with fast flicker or rapid scene changes
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Flashing effects: strobe lights, emergency vehicle lights, fireworks, certain video games or movies
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High contrast patterns: striped or geometric designs with sharp light/dark contrasts
Managing Symptoms
Managing light sensitivity and photosensitive epilepsy often involves medication and avoiding known triggers. Additional helpful methods include:
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Tinted or polarized lenses to reduce glare and brightness
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Photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight and lighten indoors
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Brimmed hats or visors for outdoor protection
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Screen filters and adjusting brightness or contrast on devices
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Avoiding reflective surfaces like glass or water when possible
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Wearing color filters designed to block specific wavelengths and flicker frequencies
How Lensare can Help
Lensare can detect light sensitivity and photosensitive epilepsy triggers and respond in real time by instantly darkening.
This may provide significantly better protection than these existing solutions, offering near-blackout levels of tint when most needed while still maintaining visual clarity when not exposed to light stimuli.
How you can help
We are recruiting participants to join a pilot trial of Lensare in November 2025. Please get in touch if you live in New Zealand and would like more information about how to get involved.