When you have a migraine, your first instinct is probably to bury your face in a pillow in a quiet, dark room. Migraine is often accompanied by sensitivity to light, particularly flickering light.
Whether you’re out and about or inside your home, here are 10 tricks of the trade you can use to block out light that could otherwise exacerbate your pain:
- Curb your car. Headlights can be tough on migraine pain. (See our recent post about driving with migraine.)
- Wear sunglasses. You probably have a couple pair in your car console. Pop on a pair while you’re outside or inside—and keep them on even when it’s dark out. A recent study says that even the dimmest light can make migraine pain worse. 1
- Try rose-colored glasses. Precision-tinted glasses may help prevent migraines triggered by certain visual patterns, according to a recent study.2
- Go to a room without windows. You may still need to block out light streaming in from the doorway but you won’t have to worry about light coming in from outdoors.
- Wear an eye mask. Any kind of eye mask can block out light. Consider a cooling or heating mask to further ease your pain.
- Hang dark curtains. In rooms with windows, heavy drapes, shades or Venetian blinds can help block out harsh light.
- Swap your light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs could intensify light sensitivity.
- Turn off the entertainment. Flickering lights on the television or even on your cell phone could aggravate your pain.
- Trade your computer screen. An anti-glare screen or a flat screen may be easier on your eyes.
- Install a dimmer switch. These are available at most home improvement stores. Consider installing one in each room of your house and even your office for times when you need to lower (but not completely turn off) the lights.
References:
2. Cephalalgia.
