A method can be used for operating an organic light-emitting component. The organic light-emitting component has a first electrode and a second electrode, between which an organic functional layer stack with at least one organic light-emitting layer is arranged. The first and second electrodes and the organic functional layer stack have a large area. Electrical contact is made with the first electrode via at least two electrical connection elements in the peripheral regions, in which different electric voltages are applied to the at least two electrical connection elements and the different electric voltages vary over time. A lighting device for implementing the method is also specified.