Light Sensitivity

Light sensitive eyes

March 2012

I have recently developed a strong sensitivity to light causing me considerable pain/discomfort and keeping me indoors too much. The opthamologist had no suggestion other than saline drops. I would appreciate hearing about any relief anyone has had from this type of problem: homeopathic? herbal? other? thanks. anon

I have had this problem throughout the years. For me, I find it is much worse when I am around a lot of indoor fluorescent lighting. The bulbs in the fluorescent lights make a difference, and my employer has always been good about putting the daylight kind in my office. I'm also just super careful about always carrying sunglasses. Good luck - I know it hurts! hope you find relief

Make sure that your doctor checks your eye pressures for glaucoma, of which light sensitivity is a classic symptom. If they haven't ruled out glaucoma, go get tested right away because if you have high eye pressures, the longer you wait the more damage is done. Tim

My eyes have gotten a lot more light sensitive in recent years. I have always been sensitive to light but I find that now I can no longer tolerate overhead fluorescent lighting - it hurts! So I keep the lighting low in my office with table lamps instead of overhead lights and at home I have a couple of lamps that still use incandescent lights instead of fluorescent. I always wear dark sunglasses outside and have an extra pair in the car. It's probably a good idea to have an eye exam and discuss with an optometrist too. In my case, I'm just sensitive to light. a mom

I have been extremely sensitive to light my entire life, and got (diagnosed) migraines for months after moving to SF from New York City. I don't any more, so you could become somewhat more light-tolerant. Buy the best pair of sunglasses you can afford, wear a hat if you like the look, get yourself some ibuprofen and take that (stronger effect if with coffee), and plan on living with it. People cope w much worse things

it doesn't appear you got a diagnosis for your recent light sensitivity. have you considered the possibility that this could be migraine? that is a classic symptom of migraine. just a thought.... anon

Photophobia is a symptom of many different diseases or can be a side effect of certain drugs or medications, including botox. If your eye doctor did not find anything physically wrong then I'd suggest following up with a doctor to rule out another cause such as migraines, Sjogren's disease etc. Think of any other new symptoms going on so that you can give a full report. After that, I'd consider seeing an acupuncturist who will factor in subtle symptoms holistically and be able to prescribe herbs. It might even be due to a new food or spice you are consuming. I've experienced this myself and finally figured out it was from too much nutmeg (I had concurrent hypersomnia). Anything over-done can be toxic. Most likely it is a passing problem, good luck! Anon