Photosensitivity: “Blue/white LED lighting harms ... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,249 members28,608 posts

Photosensitivity: “Blue/white LED lighting harms humans & wildlife…” Eclipse article p38, Spring 2023 Lupus UK magazine.

Suvi8901 profile image
6 Replies

Hi there,

As a lupus sufferer with light sensitivity I found this article most interesting. Sadly the old warmer, tungsten filament lamps seem to be a thing in the past.

Most lamps are now LED with “cool white” as the default. However LED lights are available in “ warm white” less bright with more yellow/orange wavelengths instead of blue.

I found the warmer white much more tolerable. Got the floodlight switched to a warm white option which is much better.

Question: Do others here find that even the warmer white LED lamp affects them? In that case what alternatives are there? Just wondering.

Written by
Suvi8901 profile image
Suvi8901
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies

Hi Suvi

Yes, definitely warm white all the way for me, but more from an eye perspective. Cool white should be banned! I once had a cool white bulb and it was like needles/knives in the eyeballs, absolutely vicious. It was very harsh and it triggered a migraine too. I never had that bulb on for very long at all, so I can’t comment re: flare triggering (I’m not sure it’s a trigger for me, but sunlight definitely is). I found warm white bulb by chance and it’s been a game changer. Even for Christmas tree lights, they come in a warm white version too.

I’m sure others on here that are flared by LED’s will be way more helpful to you than me! ✨

Suvi8901 profile image
Suvi8901 in reply to

Hi,

Thanks very much for posting.

You’re absolutely right about the “cool white” LED. It’s very harsh even outdoors: cars, streetlights etc. I have to wear sunglasses 🕶️ to stop the glare. I think some local councils are realising they have to change.

I think this has now been confirmed by this recent EXETER Uni research and I think only recently “warm light” LEDs are more available! The U.K. seems to sell much more cool white versions of this heavily promoted low energy bulb.

Regards

in reply toSuvi8901

Oh yes, those blinding car lights 🙈 🕶️, I avoid if possible. Warm white bulbs seem more expensive and harder to find too. Probably as they aren’t manufactured as much as maybe the average non-suffering people like searingly bright light 🤷🏼‍♀️

Let’s hope change is coming, especially for all of you that flare because of it. I have it easy by comparison. I hope you get some answers.

Take care ✨

jon3120 profile image
jon3120

Hi,

They recently changed all the street lighting outside my house to LED blue lights - my heart sank when I seen them.

wilko.com/en-uk/home/lighti...

I replaced the bulbs in my house where I could with these vintage style bulbs that are a very warm tone - I’m sensitive to all light and these have definitely helped. Not the cheapest option but the healthiest for me.

the lights in my kitchen i have an app to control them so can change the tone of them but I generally have them off and just have a lamp on with a warm bulb in it.

💜

Suvi8901 profile image
Suvi8901 in reply tojon3120

Thanks for responding and the useful link.👏

They have some very warm incandescent lightbulbs for sale.

Unfortunately very expensive to buy and expensive to run. I’ll have to stick with the warmer LEDs which are a lot cheaper and find a “best” warm light brand.

I think the Eclipse charity might help with more recommendations?

Regards

NewEngland3 profile image
NewEngland3

Here in the US they are banning incandescents--the dumbest thing ever!!! I have stockpiled a bunch in my basement...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

LED LIGHT FOR NAILS

LED lamps for Gel nail varnish. Hi everyone  I'm wondering if anyone  has had there nails done...
Rack profile image

Severely photosensitive - lighting advice needed

Just a little background, I was recently diagnosed with solar urticarial after phototesting at...
Mifford profile image

Red fingers and red and white mottling, all under skin- comes on when hands warm up. Throbbing, swollen feeling and burning type pain.

Hi, Can anyone identify with this? I don't get white or blue fingers. It happens often when I'm out...

Any ideas why feet change colour ?

Hi lovely people Hope you’re managing to stay warm today . Would appreciate any thoughts on funny...
Tiggywoos profile image

Hallo!

Hiya gang! Sorry I've not been around lately, have had SO much going on & haven't exactly been...
Sher78 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.