I don't have epilepsy. I'm a lighting engineer and am interested in the effect of LED lighting on people who have epilepsy. I had not heard this was a problem until I spoke to a man yesterday whose wife is dramatically effected by both LED lighting and modern fluorescent lighting. I would like to ask others on this site if they have ever experienced similar symptoms.
There is a great push by the Department of Energy and the lighting industry to adopt LED lighting. LEDs are by nature monochromatic light. A polychromatic "white" light is created, generally, by shining a blue LED through a phosphor impregnated epoxy cap that's formed over the diode. It has already been shown that the particular wavelength produced by blue LEDs (460-480nm) can have an effect on the circadian system and the regulation of melatonin production by the pituitary gland. I was curious to know if people with epilepsy experience a negative effect from this type of lighting.
Additionally, modern fluorescent fixtures are designed to operate at frequencies greater than 50,000 cycles per second (Hz). The old style fluorescents were designed to operate at 60 Hz. this is the frequency of the nation wide power system in the US and is, coincidentally the natural frequency of the human body's electrical system. I can understand how the old style fluorescents would be a problem for someone with epilepsy. I was wondering if the newer style fluorescent lighting is still a problem. (You can recognize the newer fluorescents by the skinny light bulbs used in the fixture).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me make my designs more user friendly.
There is a great push by the Department of Energy and the lighting industry to adopt LED lighting. LEDs are by nature monochromatic light. A polychromatic "white" light is created, generally, by shining a blue LED through a phosphor impregnated epoxy cap that's formed over the diode. It has already been shown that the particular wavelength produced by blue LEDs (460-480nm) can have an effect on the circadian system and the regulation of melatonin production by the pituitary gland. I was curious to know if people with epilepsy experience a negative effect from this type of lighting.
Additionally, modern fluorescent fixtures are designed to operate at frequencies greater than 50,000 cycles per second (Hz). The old style fluorescents were designed to operate at 60 Hz. this is the frequency of the nation wide power system in the US and is, coincidentally the natural frequency of the human body's electrical system. I can understand how the old style fluorescents would be a problem for someone with epilepsy. I was wondering if the newer style fluorescent lighting is still a problem. (You can recognize the newer fluorescents by the skinny light bulbs used in the fixture).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me make my designs more user friendly.