[waves]

Hi Everyone

I am starting this Photosensitivity Thread since this topic has so many aspects it probably deserves a space of its own. To get started i am including bits from RhiannonMoon's "colors" thread... and adding some additional notes from my own experiences.

I hope others will add any other triggers they have come across, and ways to deal with them.

For instance, I do not know if there is a way to get Firefox to block animations, as I believe there is for Internet Explorer.

Please contribute as you are able!

~ waves ~

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LIGHT:
The intensity, frequencies (colour ranges) and any strobe-effect of light can cause photosensitive reactions which vary between individuals. Each of us may be sensitive to different frequencies. Many (but not all) people find that incandescent lighting is less troublesome than fluorescent lighting also.

Originally Posted by RhiannonsMoon

It is usually bright sunlight flashing thrugh trees, and fluroescent lights that set me off.

Originally Posted by Porkette

The best thing to do is have your neuro order a special e.e.g. with flashing lights. [... ] I found out that florescent green, amber and bright white like the sun shining on the snow can cause sz. for me.

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PATTERNS/CONTRAST

in addition to specific colors or flashing lights, photosensitive reactions can be elicited by geometric patterns - especially with high contrast involved.

Originally Posted by RhiannonsMoon

When I look at a computer screen to read info, or if I'm reading a book, magazine, newspaper etc, certain words not all of them have green squiggles behind them.

Originally Posted by waves

during one period i had when i was highly susceptible, if i saw brightly contrasted stripes, or certain brick-lay patterns, again illuminated, i would get a "flow aura" - not sure if a SPS or a silent migraine in my case. what i'm calling a "flow aura" is that the whole thing would start moving in the way and appear to have water flowing over the top... as though i were looking through a shallow stream with currents in it.

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MEDS:

ironically a lot of meds, including some AEDs increase photosensitivity. it is worth taking notice of any increase/decrease in photosensitive reactions if you change meds, or change dosages.

going off Lamictal (BRAND NAME!) was a blessing to me, in that regard. my doc and i have recently figured out that in all likelyhood some of my current photosensitivity is related to my benzo - it is the only common factor/med present since i started having episodes of "sparkles" looking at the sky or an illuminated surface.

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COMPUTERS

Originally Posted by Porkette

there are strobe lights on the computer monitor but they are flashing so fast that you don't realize it. Try to adjust the brightness of your screen so it isn't so bright and see if that makes a difference for you.

Depending on your video card, you may also be able to adjust the light emission settings individually for Red, Green and Blue respectively, to make the hue more tolerable to you. mine allowed me to do this.

Animated graphics can be very troublesome for some. We could use instructions - by anyone who has this experience - on how to set the different browsers to block all animation. I believe Internet Explorer has this feature. I do not know if Firefox does (if so i have not found how to do it!)

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FORUM ADJUSTMENTS

My difficulty with the forum (default look) is all the white everywhere, and high contrast. Using a different 'skin' can help

I use Desert Sand which is based on beige and has much less contrast. Even the edit boxes that are usually white are soft beige instead.

To change skin/theme:

• Log into the forum.
• Click on User CP - first item on the menubar near the top of the window.
• Click on Edit Options - found in the links down the left side of the window, in the group titled "Settings and Options"
• Scroll all the way down to the bottom, where you will find a groupbox called Miscellaneous Options, the second of which is --Forum Skin--.
• Click on the Forum Skin dropdown box and select Desert Sand
• Click on the button Save Changes located at the bottom.

if you decide you don't like it, or it doesn't help, you can always change back by repeating these steps, and choosing Use Forum Default as your Forum Skin.

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~ waves ~