Light Sensitivity

[IndyGal62]

I have been dealing with light sensitivity and dry eyes since July 2013. I went to a corneal specialists who put plugs in both eyes, upper and lower ducts, which has helped with the dry eyes to some degree. However, the light sensitivity has been an ongoing problem.  The corneal specialist I saw said there was nothing else he could do for me to help with the light sensitivity.  It affects me outdoors as well as indoors in stores as well as in an office setting- the lighting  hurts my eyes and i wear sunglasses much of the time.  I do not have alot of faith in returning to my regular eye doctor as when I told him I was having some floaters- not a lot but started having them, he handed me an iPad to watch a video about flashes/floaters.  My vision tests out well- but it is the light sensitivity as well as being on a computer for more than short periods of time- as well as working outside that has pushed me to my limits of being able to cope with this problem.  I love being outside and working hard, but since mid July I have not worked, as my career was almost all done on the computer.  If anyone can offer suggestions as to what type of eye doctor I should see, I am open to suggestions.  I need to get back to work and get my life back!


This discussion is related to Light Sensitivity/Photophobia, Headache, Migraine.

[Theresbrighterdays]

Hi,

I hope by now you have found a solution to help you! I hope you found an Ophthalmologist to help with your condition.

There are prescription eye drops that can help with dry eyes. But you need to talk to an Ophthalmologist to see if this is an option for you.

I am extremely sensitive to light as well. However, I am the most sensitive to blue green wavelengths of light. (Fluorescent and LED lights) However, bright lights are all bothersome. I’m not sure if this might help you. But I think it is worth a shot if you are desperate. There are 3 companies that I’m aware of that offer FL-41 tint. They all 3 are different. What works for one person might not work for the other. I have no vetted interest in any of these companies. They are Axionoptics, Theraspecs and Comfort Tint. The first 2 are glasses. Comfort Tint are contacts. The contacts might not be a good fit for you since you have dry eyes. Comfort Tint is the only one that is the right shade of FL-41 for me. So I have to wear them when I’m out. I have tried all 3 and they all have money back guarantees.

Again, I’m unsure if these options would help you. I have debilitating migraines and blue green wavelengths of light is a major trigger for me. You didn’t mention migraines or other health problems. So I don’t know. But it is something to look into. You sound desperate and I’ve been there before it is no fun! I really hope that you can find something to make life better!

[JohnHaganMD]

Thanks for positing your experience.

[Theresbrighterdays]

Thank you, I hope it might help someone.

Also, I  forgot to mention a copy other things that might be worth discussing with your doctor. You might want to research every medication you are taking. Some medications can cause light sensitivity (photophobia) (FYI bad name doesn’t mean you have fear of light) But when you are searching for drug reactions sensitivity to  light might be listed. However, you will have to decipher is it is talking about your skin being more sensitive to burning in the sunlight or photophobia (the type of sensitivity to light you are experiencing).

You might also want discuss with your doctor about taking lutein and zeaxanthin. I had great results with taking it. I couldn’t walk outside on a cloudy day without sunglasses. If I did it felt as someone was squeezing my eyeballs. It took several months of being on these supplements for me to slowly see them helping a little. It is slow but definitely helped me. The brand I take is Dr’s Best. I don’t know if this is the best brand, but this is what I’ve been using for several years now.  However, please do not start taking any medication or supplements without discussing it with your doctor first. I hope this helps!

[JohnHaganMD]

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[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You can find a consultant Cornea MD in your area by going to the American Academy of Ophthalmology physician locator at www.geteyesmart.org

JCH MD

[IndyGal62]

I do take flaxseed oil …2400 mg per day.  The light sensitivity is so great I do wear hats outside and sometimes two pairs of sunglasses. I will get a second opinion  for the corneal specialist. I am really at the end of my ropes, as I said, with trying to cope with this problem.  Thank you so much for your help!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

1. Look under "Today's Pulse" or go to Dr. Hagan's blogs and read the article on Dry eyes.   You should likely be on an oral omega 3   two or three per day of fish oil or krill oil or calamari oil or flax seed oil, and see an Eye MD to evaluate you for restasis.

Dry eyes are one cause of light sensitivity,  early cataracts are another.  You may need to wear hat with bill outdoors, have tints in your glasses or photochromic lens that darken in light.

Might consider a second opinion from an ophthalmologist with interest in corneal and external disease.

JCH MD