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Users should not be exposed to more than 3 high contrast flashes at once or in any given second of time. One should include a seizure trigger warning in the beginning of any media that has strobe-like flashes. According to Epilepsy.com, “For about 3% of people with epilepsy, exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns can trigger seizures. This condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy.” Additionally, many other people can be disturbed by light exposure that do not have epilepsy. Although this can occur naturally from sunlight reflecting off the water, we are focused on media generated triggers. Animated visual patterns, in addition to stroboscopic lights can also trigger seizures. Also according to Epilepsy.com, “Generally, flashing lights most likely to trigger seizures are between the frequency of 5 to 30 flashes per second.” The Mayo Clinic recommends a SPECT test to determine if one suffers from this.

Summary Points:

• 5-30 flashes per second can induce a seizure

• There should not be more than 3 flashes or blinks in a second

• Blinking and strobe are interchangeable terms

• Include a seizure trigger warning in the beginning of media that has to have 3+ flashing strobes

• Most people do not know they suffer from this until it has occurred

• More common in children, average age 12.8 (NIH.gov)

• Roughly 3% of epileptics are photosensitive

• Can occur naturally (outside of media) such as light on water

• Brightness is a factor

• Just several pixels on a screen can induce a seizure. It does not have to be the entire screen

• Reduce contrast if flashes are necessary