06/15/2026
Migraine & Headache Awareness Month: Managing Light Sensitivity (And What You Can Do)
If you've ever found yourself squinting under bright overhead lights, feeling drained after screen time, or dreading glare while driving, you're not alone. We talk with many patients who feel like modern lighting (LEDs, screens, sunlight glare, big-box store lighting) can be too much for their eyes.
For some people, light sensitivity is occasional. For others, it's disruptive and exhausting and it can be closely tied to migraine. The good news is that there are practical, day-to-day steps you can take to manage the impact of light, plus lens options we can help you compare.
Migraine vs. headache: what's the difference?
Many people use "migraine" and "headache" interchangeably, but they aren't the same.
Migraine is a neurological disease that can involve symptoms like light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea, and more.
A headache can be a symptom, but not every headache is migraine.
If you've noticed that light sensitivity shows up during an attack, or even between attacks, that's a common experience for people living with migraine.
Why light can feel so intense
Light sensitivity is often referred to as photophobia. Put simply: certain kinds of light can feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even painful.
For many people living with migraine, light can trigger or worsen attacks. This can include:
harsh overhead lighting (especially some fluorescent lighting)
• bright screens and device glare
• sunlight and outdoor glare
• fast changes in brightness (moving from a dark room into bright light)
If this sounds familiar, it's not "in your head." It's a real, common symptom and it's something we can help you plan around.
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