Gateway Reporter

Sheltering Arms Hospital South issued the following announcement on Dec. 23

Many of us experience some form of light sensitivity, especially after a concussion, which can make navigating multiple environments challenging and often painful. It can be a barrier in returning to both school and work. Currently, there are not a lot of treatments available to address light sensitivity, so patients often wear sunglasses both indoors and out. However, research has found that sunglasses are often not good to wear because they keep too much light out of the eye. This results in difficult transitions when taking the sunglasses off and increased overall light sensitivity.

A recent study published in the Journal of Athletic Training (Clark et. al, 2017) demonstrates the use of different colored lenses to help with light sensitivity. The study looked at 51 patients with concussions and had them wear a variety of colored lenses.

The study found that 85% of patients reporting light sensitivity had relief of their symptoms with one or more of the following colored lenses:

• Blue
• Green
• Red
• Purple

There are several types of glasses at various price points available for those dealing with light sensitivity. Sheltering Arms has several options in our clinic that are available for home try-on as well. These options have been researched and found to be helpful to patients. The following list of glasses are not the only ones available and not everyone reports relief with glasses.

1. Theraspecs: Theraspecs are marketed as migraine-relief glasses with light-filtering lenses. They have a variety of styles with indoor, outdoor and prescription lenses available. Price: $99 and up
2. Axon Optics: Axon Optics offers eyewear and contacts for those with light sensitivity and migraines. They have rose-colored, light-filtering lenses in a variety of styles with indoor and outdoor lenses available. Price: $129 and up
3. Eye Buy Direct: Eye Buy Direct offers options for digital screen protection glasses that filter out blue light. They can be made with or without a prescription and are not tinted unless viewing a screen when a slight purple/blue tint will appear. Price: $25 and up
4. Target and Amazon: Target and Amazon both offer affordable options. Search ‘light sensitivity glasses’ in the search bar on these websites for a variety of light-filtering glasses. Price: $25 and up

If you need help addressing light sensitivity or any other concussion symptoms, the concussion experts at Sheltering Arms can help. Learn more about our concussion program by clicking here, or call (804) 764-1000 to schedule an evaluation.

Original source can be found here.