[snelsen]

#1018060

Hi, I am not exactly sure of the relationship of Graves’ and photophobia. Logic tells me that the more I wear sunglasses, the less able my eyes will be able to accomodate to bright light, sun, glare, etc. Conversely, it is PAINFUL to have bright light, and I really cannot tolerate it and I can’t see very well because I have to shut my eyes (not cool with driving..and no, I don’t do that!)
But-I wonder if I looked at bright light with my eyes closed, that the rods and cones might do some acclimating? I have not researched this topic in depth. I can assure you that eye docs aren’t much help.
Shirley

[rapunzel]

#1062465

When my TED was at its worst, this was quite painful. After things settled down, it remains a problem, though not so bad. I do not believe that you can change this symptom of TED by the method you describe, partly because it’s not a muscle that can be trained. My solution has been to wear the darkest sunglasses I can, wear hats (sometimes a baseball cap with a large bill and sunglasses when driving), and find places to sit where light (sun or man-made) isn’t in my eyes.

It takes a little effort to establish habits, but after that you don’t even notice you’re making adjustments to accommodate your photophobia — it’s just the way you live.

I send you blessings and peace and hope for a rapid recovery.
Rapunzel

[Bobbi]

#1062466

You probably know about these already, Shirley, but in case you don’t:

My eyes have been light sensitive ever since the TED. Like Rapunzel, it isn’t as bad now as it used to be, but I got used to a special type of sunglasses that fit completely around the eyes. They have a top piece that extends to the forehead, and side pieces which block light from the side. They are really effective. There are typically some of these at drug stores that are molded in a single piece of plastic, and they are pretty inexpensive. There are also some, called FitOvers, I believe, that I can sometimes find at the quick glasses types of places like Lenscrafters, and I also order them online. I don’t leave home without them.

I think light sensitivity is very common with us. But it wouldn’t hurt, since you are having such a problem with it, to talk things over with your opthamologist.

[rapunzel]

#1062467

Bobbi — You’ve just given me a solution to a problem I’ve tried to solve for years! I love to ride my bike, but the wind blows dust into my eyes, which you know is a problem for us TED gals. I looked at those Fitovers, and they have "side windows", so I can reduce the wind/dust factor without impairing my peripheral vision. Yay!!!

Thank you SO MUCH for the information!

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