What is Photophobia + Tips/Tricks To Manage It

#photophobia #blindness #albinism
Photophobia also often called light sensitivity can be a huge challenge to cope with especially when you have vision loss or blindness. It can affect people differently. many people struggle to find a good solution to help manage the pain associated with different lighting conditions and
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Thumbnail Description: Tamara in a black sunhat and sunglasses smiling against a light blue background next to black text that reads photophobia and how to cope.
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[@shreykumbhare]

Hey, thank you so much, I have been suffering from photophobia for the past 3 yrs. Can't go out in the sun. Can't drive. I am using a hat and reflective sunglasses. Also I thought I was the only one who was suffering with this issue. But kudos to you for making it normal. Thank you so much.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It can be extremely frustrating and painful. I’m sorry your experience has been so significantly impacting on your life. There are many of us! You are definitely not alone!

[@DalCecilRuno]

Fashionable hats are my only solution. My pupils are incomplete so contact lenses wont fit, and sunglasses change the color of everything, and colors are one of the few things I can see and use to navigate around. So, hats all the way! 💜

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Awesome! I’m glad you found something that works well for you!

[@lovelydolltime8006]

I've always had photophobia because of my autism. Sunlight is the worst for me and I can't go outside without sunglasses since if I do, my eyes will shut themselves and sometimes I will also get these negative afterimages in my eyes.

[@mygarden5295]

I used to think what's happening to my eyes 👀👀??? Now i know it call photophobia

[@LuuCynyan]

As a tip, there are some lamps now that work with cell phone applications, and they have control of the intensity of the light, it works the same as the dimmer, and they can also be turned on and off from the cell phone. It happens to me the same as what other people say in the comments. When I wear colored lenses I feel that I see certain things less, although the lighting improves, I can't trust the colors and that makes me angry. One tip is to tint your eyelashes or use mascara so that the light doesn't bounce so much. You still have to wear hats but it improves the bounce of light a bit.

[@lisak7214]

Thanks for a great informative video. I developed photophobia about 5 years ago but didn’t know I had it. I thought it was the reduction in the ozone layer, lol! Once I figured out that I was the only one going through this I started wearing polarized sunglasses and wide brimmed hats. I can’t go outside without them or I am blinded by the light and it’s so painful! I love cloudy days but everyone thinks I’m weird for that. They just don’t understand.

[@angiecastro9345]

What I do to manage my light sensitivity is wear polarized lenses, have black out curtains in my room, and use dimable lights.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

All fantastic suggestions! I do the same :)

[@coolpix807]

Thank you fir all the great information! This photophobia just hit me about three weeks ago and it’s making me having to do everything to tone down lighting. Been wearing sunglasses in my dark house.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My pleasure, I hope your photophobia improves soon, or at least you find reasonable ways to manage it. :)

[@lifeinashell2580]

Oh wow your video really made me feel better about my severe chronic photophobia, I have black out tint on my windows, and very dim lamp behind a piece of furniture in my bedroom because the light is so painful and causes horrendous headaches. Just found your channel and I love it so much already ♥️

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you are enjoying the content. :) and oh boy do I empathize with the severe photophobia. It can really suck sometimes and the migraines are awful! Wishing you all the best!

[@lifeinashell2580]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thanks very much ♥️ I get a lot of strobe type flashing in my vision, especially after being in daylight but also at night. It’s weird. Just wondered if you ever experience this?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I do experience things like that. For me it’s due to Charles Bonnet Syndrome from my visual impatient. I sometimes see flashes, or blobs of electric light that float around and it happens day and night. Do you also have a visual impairment along with the photophobia?

[@lifeinashell2580]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thanks for that it’s very interesting, I’ve had ME for 20 years and eye issues for the last 10. I don’t have an impairment though my close up eyesight has deteriorated over past few year ( probably age related as I’m 45) . I do have visual interference though, lots of floaters, visual snow and after images. I get a lot of glare from light and this flashing, it’s so intense at times. I’m going to assume it’s like an over reaction to normal lighting as doctors haven’t explained or given any reason for it

[@lynnmccarthy8612]

@@lifeinashell2580 I have Birdshot Chori and your eye symptons mirror this. have you seen a retina dr. they should be able to diagnose.or eliminate this.

[@artjiujitsulife]

Thanks so much for this video, much more informative than a lot of info I have found so far. Really glad I found your channel :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Glad it was helpful! Always here to help :)

[@mahamrajput3054]

Please Urdu me btao k kya btaya ha inho ny ehtyati tadabeer

[@JohnBurke67]

My first experience was 12 month ago. Flickering florescent light. I felt faint and sick. Kept passing out then waking to be sick. It took 4 days to feel normal again. Ever since I Sunglasses 👓 took a while to get used to be stared at. I listen to how I feel. It always for me starts with nausea which indicates to go to a darker area or leave the store. I've never looked at lighting in the same way. I'm always checking out is it recessed light, does it have a filter, is it low hanging ect. Thank you for this informative video 🫂

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My goodness that sounds rough! Lights can be miserable sometimes. I'm glad sunglasses and dark rooms are making a difference for you!

[@Lyonsbane75]

Thanks! Great and really useful video :)

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My pleasure. :)

[@lizzymills2880]

I’ve been trying to learn if photophobia causes migraines! I get ocular migraines but do not suffer from photophobia, unless being sensitive to light when I’m experiencing a migraine counts.

[@rajasreeroypianist6754]

Great spectrum of information . Thanks so much. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@emilyfarfadet9131]

Been living with crippling chronic migraines for twelve years, always looking for tips and tricks. I really wish someone with photophobia would start reviewing lamps and lightbulbs- I've relied on incandescent lighting and am really struggling now that they're cracking down on energy inefficient lighting- it's so hard to know what will work or not before buying something.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm so sorry to hear about your migraines. As a fellow sufferer of horrid migraines I empathize deeply with your experience. I don't know if I'm the best person for the job as my light perception seems to be going now unfortunately, but I have found some dimmable LEDs in the warm tones with no blue wavelengths to be tolerable. I hope that helps you find something that works :)

[@-winterwyvern-]

I've had amblyopia (lazy eye) since I was 2, my photophobia developed later in life. Sunlight ain't great, cant handle LED lights and screens without a low-light filter etc. My dad needs bright light to see indoors, so it's always been a struggle to find a compromise.

[@SeeingBlind]

I have a moderate case. Can never go outside without polarized glasses. And if I am out for a long time, definitely a hat in addition

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m glad I’m not the only one! 😎

[@nareshthota9827]

The most informative video 👍

[@iulia3889]

This is really helpful thank you so much

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

You're so welcome!

[@AnuCreationOfYahReadyToServe]

Much Appreciated For Sharing N Caring.. This Is MI Story Too..

[@JasonMaiser]

Really good video. Thank you.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

[@ajrusso7766]

Hi, Tamara! I'm curious about your education. Was it public, parochial, private or specialized training? You're very articulate. I went through the.public school, college and grad school successfully.as a PWA.

[@pascalesanchez6010]

Very helpfull. Thanks a lot !!!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

You're welcome!

[@Heller_215]

I have been dealing with light sensitivity for three years due to severe dry eye I have bought 100-dollar sunglasses and wear a bucket hat but I still get pain due to my dry eye I really think I need new sunglasses and a bigger hat when I go out in the sun. I loved the first pair of sunglasses you showed.

[@CharlieK92004]

Medical laser glasses are awesome. Even a lighter shade, my eyes relaxed considerably vs fishing glasses.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm not familiar with laser glasses. Can you tell me more about them and where to find them?

[@tiffanygoodman5381]

I have this and you wouldn’t believe the rudeness in the work place over me wearing glasses! I’m am beyond frustrated! People do NOT care that I’m suffering at work, and they don’t want to turn the lights down.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling at work. Work accommodations are mandatory in a lot of places for things like this. Is that not an option for you?

[@TragedyClub98]

in the winter in finland i am fine. We have only 6 hours of light ( mostly cloudy). But now its spring and now i can't go outside. I suffer every day and my eyes are dry, hurt very much and i must spend days inside. Only in the night/ evening i can go out.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m sorry to hear you have such a difficult time with photophobia. Sending support.

[@TragedyClub98]

@@UnsightlyOpinions ty

[@GameDevCade]

I had a pretty intense bought of lsd use back in 2020 and feel I may have contracted photophobia. Just researching potentialities.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’ve never heard of that happening, but I suppose anything is possible. I would strongly encourage you to speak to your doctor or an optometrist/ophthalmologist about it because new photophobia can be a sign of other eye disorders.

[@VelvetTears216]

LSD and other hallucinogenic psychoactive drugs can cause HPPD, or Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, of which one of the symptoms may be photophobia. Please look it up if you have not done so already. It may resolve itself or it may be a lifelong affliction.

[@SarahGK2001]

Where do you get your custom sunglasses? I’ve been wearing medical sunglasses, but I would certainly love something cuter…

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’ve found mine at two different places. My optometrist who also does glasses/sunglasses did the tinting and glass cutting on site was able to custom tint for me once we found some frames I liked. The other place was LensCrafters. Usually if you find frames you like most places that do glasses can do the tint for you! Hope that helps!

[@SarahGK2001]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Yes, it does help! Thank you! On an unrelated note, I also have albinism, and I just arrived home today with my first guide dog! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, your channel has been really valuable to me!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That’s amazing! Congratulations! What’s the pup’s name? And thank you! I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful. Hearing that keeps me motivated to keep making content! 😀

[@marissasolaun3807]

Hi, so I wanted you to do a video if you could on if there is any benefit for people who are low vision or legally blind to undergo training with sleep shade. Or as it’s more commonly thought of blindfold. So the fundamentals like cooking, cleaning, Braille or& M under blindfold

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

More awesome video ideas! I will absolutely do a video on that. I’m guessing your training centre is advising sleep shade training?

[@marissasolaun3807]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Hi, no I am legally blind but I’ve never had much training in non-visual techniques. I’ve been thinking about the idea of considering going to a training center that offers sleep shade training. Just in case my vision were to worsen later on in life. Right now it is stable.

[@MsTaraExpectSuccess]

Thanks! So much

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

My pleasure! :)

[@wrathb0y]

I have a mild case i get it about twice a month and that is maybe because i dont mind wearing sunglasses everywhere I go. I use transitional lenses as well so my gasses look semi normal when im in doors in low lighting and go dark if there is too much light. When I do get it I get spotty vision and my peripheral vision is gone. After the episode of vision goes away I get very bad nausea and beating migraines. It feels like my head is gonna explode.

[@RR-dh4jh]

Do you guys eyes have a sharp glossy visual changes? Like your eyes is blurry but when the visual problem arises then it's sharp glossy like lip gloss

[@kerryquick9578]

My child has had it for 17 yrs. 15 mins in pure sunlight will trigger a full on migraine with fever throwing up and 💩.

[@MsGabimusic]

For me o instantly get really tired from floricent light or very white light is that also photophobia?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Could be, but it could also be something else. If your eyes aren’t adapting well to particular lighting environments, I would definitely talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They may be able to assist with lenses to filter specific frequencies of light.

[@haqsach4147]

I have light sensitivity just 2 months ago before I can't go under sun now i can go but I can't tolerate flourscent lights.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it improves.

[@jesseniacamacho9412]

i had some sunglasses that were custom made for me but they arent dark enough, they were supposed to be black outs but iit was the way they described. does anyone have any suggestions?

[@rishabhchandwani9170]

Sir you can check amphere brand glasses

[@manoharanramakrishnan8282]

Good evening Sir/Madam, My son is suffering from chronic photophobia from past many months. He has undergone corneal transplantation during 2018. But now he is unable to stay comfortable even after using sunglasses.. please let me know if their is any remedy for this....

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I would suggest wrap sunglasses with a higher percentage tint in grey/black at 95% which will need to be done at an optician, sunglass contact lenses, or black out shades. Unfortunately that’s the best I can suggest. Hope some of that helps. :)

[@manoharanramakrishnan8282]

Thank you so much for your support...will try that...as it's troubling a lot now ...unable to sleep ... feeling like some clotting happens in brain... We even tried with pain killer tablet prescribed by neurologist but couldn't work out...

[@jizburg]

I have this off and on. Some days are worse than others. It feels like my pupills are cramping and i need to put on a hat and shades.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

That's rough! Eye pain is pretty terrible. I'm glad you are using hat and shades to help cope.

[@jizburg]

@@UnsightlyOpinions yea. And its pretty scary when i am driving and have forgotten them at home. Then i stop at the nearest possible spot and close my eyes for like half an ohur untill the pain stops

[@nauidiver227]

I'm just trying to tint my truck

[@skaterdude14b]

4:28 What brand & model glasses are those?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

They are a discontinued no-name brand I found at my optician's office. :) Sorry I can't send you a link to an active product, but I'll be posting some good ones soon!

[@jankowalski-qv8ye]

Hi I have photophobia because my dislexian. But it only batters me when driving. Otherwise my eyesight is quite sharp.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I had no idea that photophobia was something that people with dyslexia experienced! Thanks for sharing :)

[@jankowalski-qv8ye]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Actually I get scared watching one of yours video where you mention that photosensitive is symptoms of eyesight problem so get tested my score was 20/15, but still get temporary bad sight when too much light. Only condition that could be link too that in my case was dyslexia I know for fact that people with autism have it too. I like reading from e reader because lack of glare.

[@Smashingpumpins]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@darrenm4253]

How can I best protect my daughter from bullies, she has the same condition.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I'm so sorry to hear your daughter is getting bullied. I went through the same thing in school. Can you tell me a little bit more about that experience as I'm unsure if it's verbal, physical, teasing, something else and how best to advise? I tried to ignore people wherever I could. Talking to others my age who went through the same thing helped me a lot.

[@darrenm4253]

@@UnsightlyOpinions hi atm I do not think that this is the case as she is only seven and I do ask her all the time if anything is bothering her and atm nothing in that regard. My question is best how to protect her from the bullies when she hits high school because atm she is such a positive person and I don't want that ever to be gone as she makes me and everyone around her strive to be better. Thankyou for taking the time to make these videos.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

@@darrenm4253 It can be difficult to protect anyone completely from bullying as most kids will experience bullying or teasing of one sort or another. I think the best you can do is empower her to speak her mind, know herself, value herself, and feel open enough to share safely if there are ever any issues going on. The best thing anyone ever did for me when I was experiencing bullying wasn't stopping the bullying it was just believing me that it was going on and when my friends stood up for me and tried to help. Having someone to talk to was the best way anyone was ever able to help me and it sounds like you are doing all you can to encourage her to communicate issues which is awesome!

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

And its my pleasure making videos!

[@darrenm4253]

@@UnsightlyOpinions she's not shy on speaking her mind and I know how cruel kids can be that's why I'm worried for her high school years, she will not have to worry about me believing her that it's happening because she would have no reason to say otherwise. The problem we have is how best to support her in school because she struggles to articulate her needs. We managed to get her 1on1 support in the classroom but doesn't tell me or her mum if it helps her in anyway.

[@kweenjade01]

0:30: sorry but ur so pale it hurts. 😅. Maybe I should adjust my brightness. (I’m coming from a KZbin channel with really tan ppl so maybe I’m still adjusting lol) 8:50: that hat looks amazing on u. And I totally agree with your points on not wanting to stand out! Great way to embrace it. Great video. Very informative

[@rahuldevchitosiya8229]

Hello mam ... i am a med student suffering from photophobia...which sunglasses are best for me ... i have severe pain in my eye from light ... please suggest mam ...i can't go out with my friends and not able to study 😢😢

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m sorry to hear that. The best sunglasses would likely depend on what is causing the photophobia. FL-41 lenses can help many, but others prefer dark grey/blue tints. I would suggest trying a few colours and tints out and see what feels best for you.

[@rahuldevchitosiya8229]

@@UnsightlyOpinions okay sir

[@alexsandraberber6095]

How do I deal if I have epilepsy and it’s just very painful

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I would speak to your doctor about any issues with photosensitive epilepsy. However sunglasses may help for glare and light outdoors. :)

[@alexsandraberber6095]

@@UnsightlyOpinions thank you for the advice

[@lesflower1426]

yes i right there with you -its aweful

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It can certainly be a challenge to manage, and making sure you can limit light to where you are comfortable is a constant and ever-changing thing. So we do what we can and try our best! I hope you have lots of good ways to manage your photophobia. :)

[@josephpowers7155]

6 out of 10 pain from television, computer monitor, even certain things on my cell [any tik tok vid] never had problems until recently, it's bull manuer

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

100% do NOT recommend. I get you

[@E.j.Robinson]

I NEED to find a cure for my photosensitivity where can I find it? I've been allergic to the sun for near 20 years I can't take the exclusion, discrimination or loss of loved ones anymore. I NEED TO BE NORMAL. Can anyone help?

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Hi there. Are you referring to photosensitivity to your eyes, skin, or both? While there is no defined cure the cause of your photosensitivity can help narrow down which suggestions may improve your symptoms. Some will wear black out sunglasses, blindfolds, or 98% tint glasses, some benefit from migraine medications, others still manage with FL-41 filtering lenses. What have you tried?

[@E.j.Robinson]

@@UnsightlyOpinions Mine is eyes mainly but skin secondary. I've built up an ability to grin and bear the sun on my skin for the most part but still use an umbrella ☔ as shading. My eyes however if I don't wear my sunglasses I'll go blind. My sun allergy developed from medication. I got a river fever and went to a doctor (who turned out to be a very bad one) he got me hooked on pain killers and a fleet of other drugs he claimed would help but instead poisoned my blood. Now it's costing me work and housing and friends, family and now putting strain on my relationship. I can't keep living like this. If drugs caused it then why can't there be one to cure it? I've had this for nearly 20 years I cannot express enough at how much I've lost because of it. I can't stand it anymore. I'm so mad with the restrictions of the glasses and everyone not believing I have it and insulting me and hurting me or leaving me, that I am a heartbeat from taking them off and going blind. I have to find a way to be free again. There has to be something. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@jamaldinosaur8815]

🥰

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

Always glad to have you!

[@MdMisterMia-np2py]

Ma'am my eyes can't tolerate potatoes I can't look at potatoes I have a lot of problems can this be a problem.

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

I’m sorry I don’t know what you are saying. You can’t look at potatoes as in the tuber/ thing that you eat?

[@momsarasunar9288]

Hi

[@marissasolaun3807]

Hello Tamara, I’m reaching out to you here. I ended up sending you a message on Facebook messenger. Didn’t feel comfortable writing it here, it has to do with my history and maybe some things you could shed some light on privately. Thanks

[@rishabhchandwani9170]

Hello sir Even I have a medical history since birth. I am having colour blindness, photophobia, low vision, nystagmouss since birth.

[@yourlord208]

She looks like a vampire

[@UnsightlyOpinions]

It's not the worst thing I've been called. 🧛🏻 haha