Child's Eyes Hurt From Fluorescent Lights

In contrast to sunlight, artificial lighting does not provide the entire spectral curve, particularly in the infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths. If overdone, exposure to ultraviolet light can result in harm to the eyes or the human body. However, a small amount of near-range ultraviolet light is necessary for health. Fluorescent light doesn’t provide adequate spectra and can affect your child’s eyes and health in various ways, including a rise in headaches, arthritis, tooth decay, poor calcium absorption and seasonal affective disorder, according to Anita Rui Olds’ “Child Care Design Guide.”

Eye Strain

Fluorescent light is produced by a gas discharge, which happens two times on each cycle of an AC power supply. This process results in pulsating flickers of light. While the pulses occur too quickly to be caught by the human eye, they still affect a child’s visual system. Studies have tracked the incidence of headaches and eye strain in people who work in offices, according to Ajay Kumar’s “Visual Communication: A Media for Research and Planning.” When these pulsations in fluorescent lighting were eliminated electronically, the incidence of headaches and eye strain was cut in half.

Other Effects of Flashing

Standard fluorescent lights emit 120 flashes of light per second, which can boost levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, as well as growth hormone. These hormonal imbalances can cause hyperactivity, or agitated physical and mental responses, in children when exposed to fluorescent lighting in schools for hours at a time. For children who are prone to seizures, fluorescent lighting can induce epileptic seizures.

Balance Disorder

Some children suffer from balance disorders. When they move their heads, they may perceive images that appear blurry or jiggle, according to KidsHealth. One such disorder, known as oscillopsia, is characterized by discomfort looking at fluorescent or flashing lights; involuntary eye twitches or movements; discomfort with noisy visuals, such as crowded spaces or complex patterns; and disruptions in depth perception. If your child’s eyes hurt from fluorescent lighting and he also shows accompanying symptoms of a balance disorder, call your doctor.

Autism

For children with autism, fluorescent lights may appear like strobe lights. Because a child with autism struggles with heightened visual sensitivity, he may react to fluorescent lighting by jumping out his seat or attempting some other maneuver to block out sensory overload. Children with autism who are unable to express their physical pain or frustration vocally may even throw a tantrum. Some children are so visually sensitive, their eyes will flicker and synchronize with the 60-hertz cycling of fluorescent lights, notes Olga Bogdashina in “Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome.”