For anyone who battles chronic migraines, light is usually the enemy. The intense sensitivity known as photophobia often forces sufferers to retreat into pitch-black rooms, isolating themselves from the world to escape the pounding pain. It feels counterintuitive to think that turning on a light could help, but emerging research is flipping the script. Scientists have discovered that a specific, narrow band of green light does not aggravate the brain’s pain pathways the way blue, red or white lights do. Instead, this particular wavelength creates smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain, potentially calming the nervous system rather than overstimulating it.

This makes green light therapy a potential game-changer for those seeking a drug-free alternative. Chronic pain is physically exhausting and frequently leads to a vicious cycle of anxiety and stress; constantly relying on heavy medication can also take a toll on the body. While it is still crucial to see a doctor (who may use diagnostic tools like ultrasound or MRI to rule out severe underlying conditions), green light therapy serves as a powerful, non-invasive tool for daily symptom management. The process is straightforward and accessible, with no needles or prescriptions required.

Overview

Green light therapy is an emerging, non-invasive treatment that involves strictly exposing your eyes or skin to a specific, narrow band of green light. Unlike the harsh blue light emitted by smartphones – which stimulates the brain and keeps you awake – or the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun that can cause burns, green light occupies a unique “sweet spot” on the spectrum. It appears to be inherently calming for the central nervous system.

Recent research highlighted in PubMed Central indicates that this precise wavelength generates smaller electrical signals in the retina compared to other colors. This helps soothe the overactive nerves responsible for processing pain and light sensitivity. As a result, it is fast becoming a popular tool for people seeking relief from migraines and anxiety without the drowsiness, nausea or other unwanted side effects often associated with heavy pain medication.

What the science says

The science behind green light is all about how your brain processes what your eyes see. When light enters your eye, it creates electrical signals. These signals go to the part of your brain that handles vision, but they also go to parts of the brain that hold pain.

According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, exposure to blue and red lights can create large electrical signals in the brain that may cause pain. However, green light produces a much smaller signal. Because the signal is smaller, it does not upset the brain’s cortex.

A significant study discussed by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that people who used green light therapy every day saw their migraine pain drop by 60%. Not only did the pain go down, but the number of headache days also dropped. The theory is that green light resets the pain pathways in the brain. It acts like a “cool down” button for an overheated nervous system.

Although this field is still relatively new, the results so far are promising. People are using green light for more than just headaches. Nevertheless, this remains the primary reason it’s being utilized.

For people with migraines, regular light is painful. This is called photophobia. However, green light is different. A study cited by the American Migraine Foundation indicates that narrow-band green light can significantly reduce light sensitivity. Patients reported that sitting in the green glow for one to two hours a day made their headaches shorter and less intense.

Skin brightening is another benefit of green light therapy

While red light is renowned for its anti-aging benefits, green light is utilized in skincare for a distinct purpose. Some dermatologists use green LED light to target dark spots on the skin. This is called hyperpigmentation. According to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), green light targets the cells that produce melanin (color) in your skin. Slowing down these cells can help break up sunspots and prevent new ones from forming. It gives the skin a brighter, more even look.

Risks and safety considerations

One of the best things about green light therapy is that it is incredibly safe. Unlike the sun or tanning beds, green LED lights do not have any UV rays. This means they will not give you a sunburn or increase your risk of skin cancer. It is also a non-invasive treatment, so you do not have to worry about taking pills or getting shots to see results.

However, there are a few minor points to be aware of during your sessions. It is not a good idea to stare directly at a bright light bulb for extended periods because it can cause eye strain. Instead, let the light fill the room or shine near your body. You should also be careful about the quality of the light you buy. Cheap LED lights can sometimes flicker or flash very rapidly, which may cause a headache even if you do not notice the flashing. To stay comfortable, it is essential to buy a high-quality lamp labeled “flicker-free.”

Remember that the color of the light matters. You cannot simply use a green party bulb from a craft store. A study published in PubMed Central explains that the light must be at a particular wavelength, known as 525 nanometers, to actually benefit your health.

“Migraine attacks can be triggered by and made worse by light sensitivity. This can lead to seeking the comfort of darkness. As a result, individuals may isolate themselves from work, family and everyday activities. This risks developing depression,” says Dr. Justus Rabach, MD.

Alternatives to green light therapy

While green light therapy is gaining traction as a powerful tool for pain relief, investing hundreds of dollars in a specialized lamp may not be feasible for everyone’s budget. Furthermore, sitting in a green-lit room for an hour isn’t always practical if you have a busy schedule, a demanding job or a family to look after.

Fortunately, you don’t have to rely solely on one specific gadget to find relief. Managing light sensitivity (photophobia) is really about controlling your environment and filtering out the particular wavelengths that trigger your pain. Whether it’s modifying your workspace or using wearable tech, several accessible alternatives can act as a “toolkit” to help you navigate a bright world without triggering a migraine attack.

FL-41 glasses

If you need to leave the house, you can’t exactly carry a soothing green lamp with you. This is where FL-41 glasses come in handy. These aren’t just fashion statements; they are precision-tinted lenses, typically appearing rose or reddish-pink, specifically designed for individuals with light sensitivity.

According to experts at the University of Utah Health, these lenses work by filtering out specific wavelengths of blue and green light that are most likely to trigger or worsen migraine pain. Unlike wearing dark sunglasses indoors (which doctors warn against because it can actually make your eyes more sensitive over time, a process known as dark adaptation), FL-41 lenses allow you to function in fluorescent-lit offices or grocery stores while providing a protective shield for your eyes.

Blue light blockers

In our digital-first world, we are constantly bombarded by artificial light from smartphones, laptops and televisions. These devices emit high quantities of blue light, a high-energy wavelength that mimics daylight and puts significant strain on the eyes. For migraine sufferers, this “digital glare” can be a fast track to a pounding headache.

While not as clinically targeted for migraines as FL-41s, utilizing blue light blocking technology is a crucial defensive step. You can start for free by enabling “Night Shift” or “Eye Comfort” modes on your devices, which adjust the screen colors to a warmer tone. Alternatively, wearing clear or slightly yellow-tinted blue-light-blocking glasses during the workday can reduce digital eye strain, preventing the visual fatigue that often escalates into full-blown migraine pain.

What is the difference between red and green light therapy?

Red and green light therapies are different tools used for various health goals. According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, red light therapy uses long wavelengths to reach deep into your skin and muscles. It acts on the parts of your cells that create energy, making it an excellent choice for healing wounds, reducing wrinkles, and helping sore muscles recover after a workout. You can think of red light as a way to “repair the hardware” of your body, like your skin and tissues.

According to Women’s Health, green light therapy is a gentle, painless treatment that uses specific light waves to improve the look of your skin. Because the light only reaches the surface and middle layers of the skin, it is very safe and requires no recovery time. It works by targeting the areas of your skin that have too much color or irritation. This makes it an excellent choice for fading dark spots, evening out your skin tone and calming down surface redness or inflammation.

The Mayo Clinic describes migraine and pain management as areas where light exposure can make a big difference. Green light is specifically used to calm the brain, stop migraines and reduce nerve pain. While red light fixes the body, green light “soothes the software” by calming your nerves and brain.

What conditions can be treated with green light therapy?

Green light therapy is often used to help people suffering from migraines. It can reduce how frequently these headaches occur and make the pain feel less intense when they do. Many people with migraines think they need total darkness. While darkness helps, isolation can lead to depression. A green light allows you to be in a lit room, read a book or engage in light activities without discomfort. It gives you your life back during a headache attack.

For those with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, this treatment can help soothe widespread discomfort. It is also a helpful tool for people with photophobia, as it is much easier on sensitive eyes than standard white light.

When it comes to skincare, green light is used to treat hyperpigmentation. It works by fading dark spots and evening out your natural skin tone, creating a clearer complexion.

Some people use this therapy to help manage anxiety. While researchers are still studying the exact effects, many users find that the soft green glow helps them feel calmer and relaxed.

Bottom line

Green light therapy is a promising, non-drug treatment that uses a specific color of light to calm the brain and reduce pain. It is invaluable for people with migraines who are sensitive to light, reducing headache frequency by up to 60% in clinical trials. While it is not a cure-all, it is a safe and affordable tool to use in conjunction with your regular medical treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does green light do to the brain?

Green light generates smaller electrical signals in the brain than other colors, keeping the brain calm and preventing over-activation that leads to pain.

Can you use red light and green light therapy together?

Yes, you can use them in the same routine (for example, green light for headache relief and red light for skin health), but you typically do not use them at the exact moment.

Citations

Amawi RM, Murdoch MJ. Understanding Color Associations and Their Effects on Expectations of Drugs’ Efficacies. Pharmacy. 2022;10(4):82. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10040082

Kritz J. Green Light for Migraine Relief. hms.harvard.edu. Published 2016. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/green-light-migraine-relief

The University of Arizona Health Sciences. Green Light Therapy Shown to Reduce Migraine Frequency, Intensity. The University of Arizona Health Sciences. Published September 9, 2020. https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/green-light-therapy-shown-reduce-migraine-frequency-intensity-0

American Migraine Foundation. Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal with Them | AMF. American Migraine Foundation. Published July 27, 2017. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/

Martin LF, Patwardhan AM, Jain SV, et al. Evaluation of green light exposure on headache frequency and quality of life in migraine patients: A preliminary one-way cross-over clinical trial. Cephalalgia: An International Journal of Headache. 2021;41(2):135-147. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0333102420956711

University of Utah. Do Migraine Glasses Work? University of Utah Health | University of Utah Health. Published June 28, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/do-migraine-glasses-work

Cleveland Clinic. Red Light Therapy: Benefits, Side Effects & Uses. Cleveland Clinic. Published December 1, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy

Noble A. What Is Green Light Therapy? Experts Break It All Down. Women’s Health. Published February 24, 2025. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a63575614/green-light-therapy/

Mayo Clinic Staff. Migraines: Steps to head off the pain. Mayo Clinic. Published 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242