What is photophobia?
A person with photophobia has a strong intolerance to light, which can cause intense pain. Photophobia literally translates to “fear of light,” but it is actually a neurological condition that stems from how receptors in the eye communicate with the brain. In the medical profession, it more broadly refers to painful light sensitivity, which can be associated with many conditions, including migraine, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-concussion syndrome, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and many others.
Exposure to any light can impact your health significantly and trigger or worsen photophobia; fluorescent lighting, LEDs, computer and device screens, and sunlight are especially troublesome. All these light sources are particularly high in blue light, which research shows causes the most pain response in people who are sensitive to light. When compared to other glasses that are marketed as blocking blue light, tests show TheraSpecs block as much as 25 times more blue light1, which makes them more effective for photophobia relief.
What is the best treatment for photophobia and light sensitivity?
The most effective way to reduce light sensitivity is with the use of special photophobia glasses that filter the harmful wavelengths present in many common sources of indoor and outdoor light. TheraSpecs® are the best glasses for individuals with light sensitivity, blending frame protection with precision-tinted lenses. Based on decades of published research on FL-41 glasses, TheraSpecs lenses block the bad light to provide natural photophobia relief for light sensitive eyes. In addition, TheraSpecs are an effective alternative to wearing sunglasses indoors, which is a common practice among people with photophobia and can actually increase light sensitivity over time (known as dark adaptation).
TheraSpecs indoor glasses for photophobia are lightly tinted to help block fluorescent lights and other harsh interior lighting; TheraSpecs outdoor sunglasses for photophobia are tinted dark and polarized for bright days. Discounted indoor and outdoor combos are also available. For customers with existing prescription glasses, they also can be made with prescription FL-41 lenses—either in a standard TheraSpecs frame or a frame you already own.
