Overview:

Light Sensitivity(Photophobia) is a condition where your eyes are overly sensitive to light, possibly causing pain, tearing and discomfort. When light enters the eyes, it causes a chemical reaction in the back of the eyes. This reaction, effecting the rods and cones, allows us to adapt to differences between light and dark. The light sensitivity is the result of the rods and cones not recovering efficiently.

Symptoms:

• Excessive sensitivity to light

Causes:

Frequently, individuals with light colored eyes and skin are more sensitive to light. Other causes of sensitivity may be due to the following:

• Deficiency of beta carotene and lutein.
• Thyroid condition
• Diabetes

• Certain antibiotics
• Anti-malarial drugs
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Digoxin - is used for heart failure or heart irregularity
• Photosensitizing drugs -see “Drugs that cause cataracts?above.

Conventional Treatment:

Sunglasses. Note that it is important to first try to find out if there is an underlying cause for the light sensitivity such as a thryoid problem or diabetes. A thorough eye exam is recommended to evaluate the health of the eye.

Complementary Treatment:

We recommend the following protocol to treat light sensitivity. Where possible, we use products that can be taken in liquid form for best absorption.

The recommendations are given in order of priority. We suggest the following below.

If you are not sure which nutrients you need, we offer free consultations either by e-mail or by telephone (845-255-8222).

Essential: Pure Focus offered through Nutritional Focus, is in liquid form and contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine and vitamin E. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter light, and serve as potent free radical scavengers for the retina. Vinpocetine improves the utilization of glucose and oxygen in the brain and retina. Cost is $28 per bottle ($24 per month on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 1 pump under the tongue 5 times per day for the first two months, then 1 pump under the tongue 3 times per day thereafter.
Essential: Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision. This formula has among the highest absorption rate of any brand we have found. Each bottle contains 120 - 60 mg capsules. Recommended dosage for prevention is 120 mg per day (2 capsules). For problems with night vision, recommended dosage is 180-240 mg per day (3-4 capsules). Cost is $24 per bottle ($22 on automatic delivery).

or

Essential: Bilberry Liquid Extract: manufactured by Gaia Herbs, one of the leading U.S. manufacturers of liquid herbal extracts of guaranteed quality, and certified organic purity. Studies have shown coleus forskolii to be effective in helping lower intraocular pressure. Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful (20 drops) 2 times per day. Each dosage contains 150 mg of bilberry extract. Cost is $25 per bottle ($23 on automatic delivery).
Important: Vision Tone Formula by Integral Health Apothecary. Includes a combination of Chinese and Western herbs to strengthen the eyes. Cost is $22 per 2 ounce bottle ($20.00 automatic delivery price). Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful 2 times a day for prevention, or 3 times a day for treatment. Best times to take the herbs are when you get up in the morning, and in the afternoon between 4 and 6 o'clock. Herbs should preferably not be taken with meals.
Helpful: Digestive Care: As we age, we produce less enzymes needed for absorbing essential nutrients from food. Digestive Care by RightFoods?is designed to aid in replacing these lost enzymes, providing a full-spectrum of seven plant-sourced enzymes to support optimal digestion and absorption. This formula also includes intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote improved intestinal flora for digestion. Recommended dosage is 1 capsule per day with meals. Each bottle contains 30 capsules. Cost is $13 per bottle ($11 on automatic delivery).
Essential: Macula Complete Eye Multivitamin this formula is an excellent eye multivitamin foundation formula recommended for those with any retinal conditions.
Each bottle contains 180 capsules. Cost $60 per bottle ($58 on automatic delivery). Recommended dosage is 8 capsules per day taken with meals.
Helpful: PaleoGreens Formula is excellent Green formula with a full array of organic vegetables, organic fruits and wheatgrasses. Cost is $42 per bottle ($40 per bottle on automatic delivery)