Headache From Sunlight? Causes & Remedies

Do you ever feel like you get headaches from sunlight? Does sunshine cause you to squint like crazy or cover your eyes? You might think it’s a natural reaction to super bright light. But if you’re among a certain percentage of the population, your condition isn’t a natural reaction. In fact, for these people, bright light such as sunshine can trigger headaches or full-blown migraine attacks.

Let’s take a look at why you might be getting a headache from sunlight and what you can do about it.

There are many reasons why sun exposure could trigger a migraine attack or headache. For one, it could simply be due to dehydration from the hot sun. It could also be from overexposure to blue light, which has been linked to migraine attacks. Since up to 60% of migraine attacks are triggered by light, sunlight can be problematic for many people.

Cause 1: You’re Just More Sensitive to Light

Research has shown that people with migraine are more sensitive to light than others. Studies have also revealed that those who suffer from migraines as well as some other types of chronic headaches tend to have a lower tolerance of bright light, including sunlight. And not only are they more sensitive to light, but the majority of people with migraine say that bright light is actually a trigger for their attacks.

Kimberely is just one example. Sunlight has been a problem for her, but fortunately, she has been able to find some relief.

"After several months of light sensitivity triggered migraines, I was desperate for some help while waiting for the right medication to work. I chose Avulux because the science led me here—no other glasses were offering the same level of protection while blocking out harmful blue, amber and red light. Additionally, I really wanted a pair that looked as natural as possible indoors, whilst appearing as sunglasses outdoors. I went with the Lilu clear frames, which were totally the right choice for me. I have to wear them every day as my migraine is chronic, but they have helped cut down my attacks significantly, so I would absolutely recommend anyone in a similar position to try them."

For people who are sensitive to sunlight, it may only take 5-10 minutes in the sun to trigger a migraine. If this sounds like you, you might have a condition called photophobia, or excessive light sensitivity. Photophobia can also cause other symptoms like excessive tears, blinking, eye pain or burning, even nausea. Fortunately, Avulux makes precision-tinted light sensitivity glasses designed to help you manage the impact of light.

See your doctor if you think you might have photophobia. They can help you rule out anything serious.

Cause 2: You’ve Been in the Sun for a While

The premise of this one is simple. The more time you spend outside in the sun, the higher the likelihood that you’ll get a headache. It might not happen immediately, even for light sensitive people. But if you stay outdoors — especially without protecting your eyes — the cumulative effect of that sun exposure could finally trigger a headache or migraine.

Cause 3: Blue Wavelengths

Sunlight contains a whole spectrum of light wavelengths, but one of the most powerful ones is blue light. Blue light is intense and very high energy. Aside from the sun, blue light is emitted by devices like smartphones and TVs, along with fluorescent lights.

It’s been pretty well documented that blue light is one of the wavelengths that causes pain for migraineurs. So if you seem to get headaches from sunlight, it could be an effect of the blue light combined with the brightness of the sun.

Even for people who aren’t prone to migraines, blue light can be irritating, causing eye strain, headaches, eye dryness, or sleep interruptions. This is why it’s important to take frequent breaks from your computer.

What to Do About Headaches From Sunlight

Reducing your eyes’ sun exposure is probably the best way to avoid getting a sunlight-related headache. Here are a few simple tools you can use.

Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses

If you have photophobia, you might already be familiar with Avulux for indoor use. Every pair of our glasses comes with our Avulux lenses, which absorb up to 97% of blue, amber, and red wavelengths of light most likely to cause discomfort or trigger a migraine. But did you know they can also be used outdoors? Wearing our glasses, you can step outside and know those peepers are protected.

We have heard from many sunlight-sensitive customers that our lenses make a big difference for them.

Stay Indoors During Peak Hours

Generally speaking, the sun is most intense between the hours of 10am and 6pm, especially in summertime. If you’re sensitive to light, you might consider planning outdoor activities in the early morning and later evening hour.

Drink Lots of Water

Dehydration is a known migraine trigger. And when you’re out in the sun, it can happen more readily. Whether you’re hanging around by the pool, hiking, exercising, or just out having a good time, be sure to drink plenty of water and do what you can to stay cool.

Ice packs, cooling towels, and a good old-fashioned umbrella or canopy can also help regulate your body temperature and keep you from overheating. Getting too hot could contribute to becoming dehydrated, or at least make you very uncomfortable. Always be wary of heat exhaustion in hot weather.

Wear a Hat

Hats are a great complement to your outdoor glasses. Put on a hat and give your sensitive eyes an extra measure of shady protection.

By taking these few simple steps and avoiding other headache or migraine triggers (like certain foods, fatigue, or stress), you can decrease your chances of getting headaches or migraine attacks. If you’re light sensitive, check out Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity lenses specifically made to absorb the harmful light.