If you are going to bend them, make sure that you do not bend the dominant apex below any others on the plant. Bend them over slightly so that they run more horizontal at the top and remember not to bend it too low.

The light could indeed cause you large problems. How far along are they in flowering? And how well do the buds seem to be forming? If the light is too strong, they may not bud at all, or they may go hermaphroditic on you, or they could end up perfectly fine. You should definitely try to solve those light leaks.