Comment from Kevin Symanietz

I am submitting this comment because I have experienced significant changes in my ability to drive, walk, and participate in everyday activities as LED lighting has become more common. I believe my experience may be useful as the FDA considers whether additional study is warranted. I believe people should be free to use whatever lighting they want inside their own homes. My concern is not with private indoor lighting but with outdoor lighting that the public cannot reasonably avoid, especially vehicle headlights. For me, vehicle headlights are by far the biggest problem. Over the last decade, LED headlights have gone from being relatively uncommon to being standard equipment on most new vehicles. The difference between today's LED headlights and the halogen lights that were common for decades is hard to ignore. Many LED headlights appear much brighter, much whiter, and much harsher than the lights they replaced. I believe these differences deserve careful study. While the benefits for drivers using these lights may have been considered, I am concerned that the effects on other drivers, pedestrians, and the general public have not been adequately examined under real-world conditions. More than ten years ago, I spent a great deal of time driving for work in major metropolitan areas. Vehicle lighting was something I rarely thought about. Today, exposure to LED lighting is a daily source of discomfort and stress. To continue driving, I have had to make several adjustments. I permanently block part of my windshield to reduce exposure to oncoming headlights. I often wear very dark sunglasses during the day and sometimes use blue-blocking lenses. I also avoid driving at night whenever possible. These accommodations come with tradeoffs. Anything I do to reduce exposure to bright lights can also make it harder to see other things around me. I find myself frequently adjusting my gaze to avoid direct exposure to headlights, which increases stress and distraction while driving. This is not just a nighttime issue. During the day, many vehicles operate with bright daytime running lamps or headlights. On divided highways, I am exposed to a constant stream of bright light sources from oncoming traffic. Headlights reflected in mirrors can create similar problems. In my experience, measures intended to improve visibility for some drivers may also create unintended consequences for others. The effects have gone beyond driving. Over the last several years, I have worked from home whenever possible and have passed on opportunities that would require regular commuting. My social life has also been affected because I am often reluctant to spend time in environments where I know I will be exposed to significant amounts of LED lighting. Walking for exercise has become less enjoyable as well. I used to walk regularly, but today it is difficult to walk through my neighborhood without encountering LED headlights, streetlights, exterior building lights, or all three. It is worth noting that natural sunlight does not cause the same problems for me. I am generally comfortable outdoors during the day, even without sunglasses. The discomfort I experience is associated with certain artificial light sources, particularly bright LEDs. I have mild astigmatism in one eye, but otherwise good vision. The fact that modern LED lighting can cause physical discomfort, visual strain, and behavioral changes for some people suggests that further research is warranted, even if these effects are not experienced by everyone. I respectfully ask the FDA to study the potential physiological, visual, neurological, and quality-of-life impacts of widespread LED lighting exposure, particularly from vehicle headlights and daytime running lamps, and to report its findings to Congress. Understanding both the benefits and the potential harms of these technologies will help ensure that future decisions are based on the best available evidence.