Treatment
Once we know the cause of your symptoms, we will form a tailored treatment plan to address it. This plan might involve at-home management, eye drops, medication, or a procedure. We discuss these options in further detail below.
Your symptoms may improve with prescription glasses. The wrong prescription or contact lenses can also increase light sensitivity.
Managing it at home
Many methods can help you manage this symptom. When you go outside, try using a parasol or wearing polarised sunglasses, tinted lenses, or a hat. Some people benefit from using rose or red-tinted glasses. However, tinted lenses can increase light sensitivity in some people.
Avoid sunlight when you can by sitting in the shade. You should not wear sunglasses at home, as your eyes can adapt to the dark or use fluorescent lighting. If your eyes feel particularly sensitive, you may benefit from gently pressing a warm compress to your eyes, dimming the lights, or resting for a while.
If you have allergies such as hay fever causing your symptoms or a migraine, take medication to address these, such as an antihistamine or ibuprofen. These two medicines can also lead to light sensitivity.
Eye drops and medication
If lifestyle changes haven’t reduced your symptoms, we may recommend certain medications or eye drops. These can include anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, dilating drops, or eye drops with steroids. If you have corneal neuropathy, we may suggest systemic anticonvulsants.
Ask your doctor for a medication review if your symptoms started after taking a new medicine. Medications that can cause sensitivity to light include quinine sulphate, furosemide (a diuretic), retinoids, and certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline.
Surgical and non-surgical procedures
If you have dry eye syndrome, we may suggest a dry eye treatment, including IPL therapy, meibomian gland expression, BlephEx™ and punctal plugs. If your eye is inflamed, you might benefit from an alcohol injection. Injections to the supraorbital nerve can also reduce light sensitivity.
Surgical procedures can address various eye conditions. We may recommend cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, or corneal transplants, depending on which one you have. After a surgical procedure, your eyes may itch, feel dry, or look red temporarily. You might have some bruising around your eyes and experience blurry vision.
Our specialist will discuss the possible risks and benefits of any procedure that you may require to help you make an informed decision about your eye health.
