What Are the Dangers to the Eyes of Using Fluorescent Light Bulbs?

Fluorescent light bulbs are good money savers for your home, but they can pose some dangers to the health of your eyes. These environmentally friendly sources of light have a fairly good reputation, but there have been rumors that these bulbs may pose a danger to the eyes. Although the bulbs themselves do not cause eye dangers, there is an effect they produce that is believed to cause some vision problems.

Problem

• The main complaint regarding eye problems and fluorescent bulbs comes from "flickering," which is a fluctuation in voltage. At a rate of 120 hertz per second, this flickering is not always obvious but the potential for danger is still there.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms are intense eye discomfort and strains, dizziness, and intense headaches and migraines. If you must spend long periods of time under fluorescent lighting or on a daily basis, there is a possibility that you could experience frequent spells where your vision becomes blurred and/or spotted.

Prevention

• If you experience a sensitivity to fluorescent lighting, there are certain precautions you can take to ensure that your eyesight remains safe. Bulbs should be replaced periodically to reduce the chance of noticeable light flicker. You should also ensure that all parts of the lighting are working properly. Light filters can be added to existing fluorescent bulbs as well to give off a more natural light.