Light Sensitivity/Photophobia, Headache, Migraine

[Do0Bs]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone could help or offer any advice on my condition.

Around 4 months ago I spent around a week solid working on a university project. I was working in room that had a fluorescent strip light using a LCD TV screen as a monitor for my computer. After around 3 days of working solidly (except for sleeping) I suffered from a migraine (the first I have ever had).

Ever since this I have a constant headache that makes me feel confused and tired and just generally not myself. It is like a groggy feeling that never goes away.

I am now extremely sensitive to light (light really hurts my eyes). I can barely look at the sky even on a cloudy day! They only way I can describe it as is that it feels like when someone turns on the lights or opens the curtains whilst you are sleeping.  The glare on a bright sunny day is almost unbearable even with sunglasses on.
Even when cars have their headlights on during daytime it hurts my eyes.

If I try to use a computer or watch TV my eyes start to sting and I get an even worse headache.

Also my neck and shoulder muscles are very tight.

Also if I am in a room with a fluorescent light for more than minutes I start to feel groggy and confused.

I have been to see my GP 3 times now and all they do is prescribe pain killers and blame it on a migraine.
I have had an eye test with an optometrist and an eye doctor and they both said there is nothing wrong with my eyes.

[GarethIreland]

A related discussion, Viteliform Lesions of the Macula was started.

[melissamin]

A related discussion, Photophobia cures? was started.

[IndyGal62]

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[mmarien]

Hi. I've been researching Flourescent light sensitivity for awhile now and am currently going through tests due to same symptoms that you are experiencing. I've had an MRI, MRA, blood work and now Ultrasound on my carotid arteries to see if its caused from plaque buildup (since doctors can't find anything). The only thing that I have linked it all too is the new flourescent lighting at my job. Studies have shown that regular incandescent lighting puts off less "dirty" energy than tube or compact flourescent bulbs and can cause severe health issues in individuals, especially migraine suffers. I am in the process today of changing all of my light bulbs back to the "old" style and forgetting about how much money I was saving by using those "new" bulbs! The health risk is much more costly!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Do0Bs,

There are many possible diagnoses including dry eyes due to incomplete or infrequent blinking while at work. This could account for your symptoms.  I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD to obtain a diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California