Epilepsy risk from toy lights

I AM frustrated to find that many events have flashing lights and flashing toys for sale. I am not talking about rock concerts, but pantomimes and other family shows. I have epilepsy which is controlled by medication, but being around flashing lights can make me feel strange.

At a recent show, my husband and I had to mention to the family in front of us about the flashing toys the children were using. They were understanding but, having bought them for the children, it’s awkward for parents to ask kids not to use them.

It is known that, apart from the risk of inducing a seizure in sufferers, flashing lights can trigger seizures in adults and children where there’s been no previous sign, placing the children at risk.

In most cases the toys have no relevance to the show. They are not necessary for people’s enjoyment of a show, are irritating to non-epilepsy sufferers sat behind children using them, and place epilepsy suffers like me at risk of a seizure.

I think more event organisers should consider the adverse effect that such toys have on members of the audience and the risk for the one in 100 people in the UK with epilepsy.

I have always had to be careful when it comes to attending pop concerts, but I have found that the rise in the sale of these toys at family shows and events has got to the point where I am avoiding places I used to enjoy because of the worry. L Burrows Mickleover