Light Sensitivity

Background

Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light. Sunlight, fluorescent lights, bright light, glare, and even headlights and lights at night can be bothersome; and discomfort may be reduced with Irlen Spectral Filters.

There are a variety of symptoms that can be caused by sensitivity to light including eye strain, fatigue, sleepiness, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, and discomfort. Lights may also be a trigger for headaches and migraines. Sometimes photophobia/light sensitivity is a symptom of a head injury (TBI), concussion, or whip lash or the result of underlying medical problems. These symptoms can also be eliminated by the Irlen Method.

The problem seems to be an inability for the brain to adjust to various levels of brightness. It is as if the brain was a radio and the volume control was broken so that it could not make adjustments to control loudness.

Treatment with Irlen Method

Irlen Spectral Filters are able to filter out the offending wave lengths of light which create the stress, thus allowing the brain to be able to make the normal adjustments for various lighting conditions, glare, and brightness.

Sunglasses are not enough. You may think they provide comfort and protection, but individuals who are light sensitive need to be protected from all lighting, not just sunlight. Individuals with light sensitivity wear their Irlen Spectral Filters from the time they wake up until they go to bed at night. Irlen Spectral Filters do not reduce brightness or contrast while providing the same comfort as being in a dimly lit room. Since they do not make things darker, like sunglasses, they can even help with headlights at night.

Other Considerations

It is important to try to make certain that there are no underlying medical causes for the light sensitivity by seeking medical advice. Sometimes, light sensitivity is a symptom of corneal abrasion, uveitis, or meningitis. Photophobia may be associated with retinal detachment and contact lens irritations. Certain drugs can cause light sensitivity.