Photosensitivity in the Workplace
Seizures can sometimes be triggered by flashing or flickering lights, geometric shapes or patterns. This is a fairly rare condition. Approximately 1-2% of the population has epilepsy and, of these, only a small portion is sensitive to this stimulation. Photosensitive seizures are usually tonic-clonic, but other types of seizures may be triggered by photic stimulation.
A diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy is confirmed by a standard EEG with photic stimulation (flashing lights). Some people may have seizures triggered by flourescent lights and computer or TV monitors, even though their EEG results do not support a diagnosis of photosensitive epilepsy.
Sodium valproate and clonazepam have been shown to be effective in treating photosensitive epilepsy.
Common Triggers
- Faulty flourescent lights which flicker
- Television or computer monitors
- Television and movies, and their associated special effects
- Video games/computer graphics, especially fast paced screen changes, bright screens and flickering patterns
- Light reflected on water, glass, or broken up by trees, fences, buildings, etc., as through a car window
- Stroboscopic lights and flashing lights on emergency vehicles
- Some people are sensitive to various geometric shapes or patterns (stripes or checkered patterns)
- Car headlights and other lights at night
* In general, flash rates faster than 5 per second and screen changes faster than 3 per second may pose a risk to people with photosensitive epilepsy. This effect seems to diminish when flash rates exceed 70-100 flashes per second.
Dealing with Photosensitive Epilepsy
- Watch television in a well lit room.
- Avoid watching poorly tuned television channels or faulty TVs.
- Use a remote control to change channels and avoid going too close to the screen.
- Modern computer monitors refresh faster and flicker less. LCD monitors do not flicker.
- Limit your exposure to flourescent lighting.
- If you are suddenly exposed to a flickering/flashing light try covering or shutting one eye. It may reduce the effects you normally experience.
- Fatigue may increase the risk of photosensitive seizures.
- Wearing polarized sun glasses (blue or green) provide some protection outdoors; ordinary sun glasses are useless.
Photosensitivity in the Workplace
Employees with photosensitive epilepsy should determine if they need any accommodation to help them fulfill their assigned job duties. Refer to the Accommodation section for suggestions.
|
