Pattern Glare and Sensory Overload: Why Shopping Centres Can Be a Nightmare – and How Neuro-Optometry Can Help

Introduction

Have you ever walked into a shopping centre in Perth and felt your eyes start to throb, lights seem too bright, patterns on the floor become dizzying, and your head begins to ache? If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing something known as Pattern Glare—a neurological visual condition that affects how your brain processes repeating patterns, lights, and visual clutter.

For many people, these symptoms can be frustrating, overwhelming, and even disabling. At Bullseye Clinic in Perth, we see this often in people who have had a migraine, concussion, visual snow syndrome, tinnitus, or binocular vision disorder. Pattern glare can be a hidden but very real part of these conditions—and the good news is, there is help available.

What is Pattern Glare?

Pattern glare is a visual sensitivity where the brain has trouble processing certain repetitive visual patterns. These patterns could be found in:

• Striped clothing
• Office blinds
• Bright fluorescent lighting
• High-contrast computer screens
• Shopping centre floor tiles or shelving arrangements

Instead of being processed smoothly, these patterns can overstimulate the visual cortex (the part of the brain responsible for vision). This overstimulation creates visual “noise”— leading to discomfort, pain, or even more severe neurological symptoms.

What Does Pattern Glare Feel Like?

People with pattern glare describe symptoms like:

• Eye strain or fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Dizziness or nausea
• Seeing flickering, shimmering, or movement in still patterns – Feeling overwhelmed in busy places
• Light sensitivity
• Visual distortions, such as lines appearing to move or war

Why Are Shopping Centres So Hard?

Shopping centres are a perfect storm for those with pattern glare:

• Bright overhead fluorescent lights
• Shiny floor tiles that reflect light unevenly
• Patterned shelves and signage everywhere
• Crowds, noise, and fast movement
• Harsh contrasts between dark and light colours

For a sensitive visual system, this kind of environment leads to sensory overload—a state where the brain is receiving too much information, too fast, and can’t keep up.

It’s no surprise that many of our clients in Perth tell us they avoid shopping centres altogether. They may feel anxious, irritable, or physically unwell after just a short visit.

Who Experiences Pattern Glare?

Pattern glare can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in people with:

• Migraine – Patterned light or visual clutter is a well-known trigger for migraines.
• Concussion or Post-Concussion Syndrome – After a brain injury, the visual system often becomes more vulnerable to overstimulation.
• Visual Snow Syndrome – This condition causes people to see flickering dots or “static” in their vision, often worsened by patterns.
• Tinnitus – There is a link between visual overstimulation and sound sensitivity.
• Binocular Vision Dysfunction – If the eyes aren’t working together properly, patterns can appear distorted, doubled, or unstable.
• Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders – Patterned environments can be extremely overwhelming for people with sensory processing difficulties.

The Role of a Neuro-Optometrist

At Bullseye Clinic in Perth, our neuro-optometrists are trained to understand the complex relationship between vision, the brain, and sensory processing. We don’t just check how clearly you can see—we assess how your eyes and brain are working together.

If we suspect pattern glare, we carry out a series of tests to explore:

• Eye teaming and focusing (binocular vision)
• Sensory and light sensitivity
• Pattern sensitivity using specific visual stress assessments
• Visual processing and integration

Whether you’re looking for an eye test in Willetton, Bayswater, Wembley, Cannington, Booragoon, or Claremont, our Perth clinic supports patients from all across the metro area with neuro-optometric care tailored to their needs.

How Can Pattern Glare Be Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but many people find dramatic relief from pattern glare through the use of lens filters, especially those designed for neurological conditions.

FL-41 Filters

FL-41 is a specially tinted lens that filters out wavelengths of light known to trigger visual stress and migraines. It has a rose or salmon tint and can significantly reduce:

• Light sensitivity
• Headaches
• Flicker discomfort
• Visual overload in busy environments

At Bullseye Clinic, we prescribe FL-41 filters to many patients with pattern glare—and the difference can be life-changing.

Customised Filters for Your Needs

While FL-41 works well for many, some people need a more personalised tint. We use specialised tools to determine the exact filter that will help your brain process visual information more comfortably.

We may also combine lens filters with:

• Vision therapy to strengthen binocular vision and eye coordination
• Environmental advice for lighting, screen use, and visual environments
• Collaborative care with other professionals if needed

Case Example: Emma, Age 32 (Perth)

Emma came to our clinic after a car accident left her with a concussion. She struggled with screen use, couldn’t enter shopping centres without feeling dizzy, and was starting to avoid going out altogether.

Our assessment revealed that Emma had pattern glare triggered by artificial lighting and patterns. We fitted her with FL-41 lenses and gave her strategies to reduce screen glare.

Within weeks, she was able to return to the shops, manage her workload, and feel more in control of her symptoms.

Why Local Help Matters

If you’re based in Perth or regional Western Australia, you don’t need to travel interstate to get specialised help for visual stress. Bullseye Clinic is right here in Perth, and we understand the local healthcare system, NDIS processes, and community supports available to you.

When to See a Neuro-Optometrist

You don’t need a referral to see us.

Consider booking an appointment if:

• You feel discomfort or nausea in patterned or bright environments
• Shopping centres or supermarkets are difficult or triggering
• You have ongoing migraines, concussion symptoms, or visual snow
• You avoid screens or artificial lights
• You feel visually overwhelmed regularly

Final Thoughts

Pattern glare may sound like a small thing—but for many people, it’s a major barrier to daily comfort and independence. At Bullseye Clinic, we help you uncover the root of the problem and find solutions that really work.

If you think pattern glare could be affecting you or someone in your family, get in touch with our team in Perth today. Relief could be just a lens away.

Contact us via www.bullseyeclinic.com.au or call (08) 9242 2342 to book an assessment with our neuro-optometry team.