From the Guidelines
Seeing sparkles and circles in fluorescent lighting is typically caused by visual disturbances related to eye strain, migraines, or sensitivity to the flickering of fluorescent lights. If you're experiencing these symptoms regularly, you should consult an eye doctor for proper evaluation. These visual phenomena occur because fluorescent lights flicker at a rate that some people's visual systems can detect, causing visual disturbances. The rapid on-off cycling of fluorescent bulbs (usually at 60 Hz) can trigger these visual effects, especially in people with light sensitivity or certain neurological conditions.
Some key points to consider:
- The symptoms could be related to central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a condition characterized by a serous neuroretinal detachment in the active disease stage, as described in a study published in Progress in Retinal and Eye Research 1.
- CSC is often associated with reduced vision-related quality of life, and its pathophysiology remains poorly understood, with choroidal abnormalities appearing to play a key role 1.
- The condition can be classified into acute and chronic forms, with the chronic form typically presenting with atrophic RPE changes on FA and persistent serous neuroretinal detachment 1.
- For immediate relief, try taking breaks from fluorescent lighting, using natural light when possible, wearing tinted glasses that filter blue light, or requesting LED lighting which flickers less noticeably.
- If these symptoms are accompanied by headaches, nausea, or other concerning symptoms, they could indicate migraine with aura or other medical conditions requiring prompt medical attention, as suggested by a study on idiopathic epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction preferred practice pattern guidelines 1.
- Persistent visual disturbances should never be ignored as they could also signal retinal problems or other serious eye conditions, such as those described in a study on central serous chorioretinopathy: an evidence-based treatment guideline 1.
From the Research
Causes of Seeing Sparkles and Circles in Fluorescent Lighting
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to explain the causes of seeing sparkles and circles in fluorescent lighting.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy of topiramate in preventing migraines 2, 3, 4.
- Migraines are a common condition that can cause visual disturbances, but the studies do not specifically address the issue of seeing sparkles and circles in fluorescent lighting.
- The studies discuss the reduction of migraine frequency and severity with topiramate treatment, as well as its side effects, such as paresthesia and cognitive dysfunction 2, 3.
- However, they do not provide information on the specific visual symptoms mentioned in the question.