I am unable to see bright lights with frequent headaches. What is the problem?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am unable to look at the sunlight for six to seven seconds before three and a half weeks ago. The sun was behind a cloud and was not very bright. It looked like a white golf ball in the sky. I get mild headaches every day caused by bright lights and the lights at night such as street lights. Also, my nearsightedness got a little worse and sometimes takes a long time to focus on things. I do not have any white or black spots viewed on my vision. I went to an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Both said that there are no signs of damage to my eyes and my eyes are stressed too much. They told me that everything would be fine in due time. What is wrong with me? I am tired of these little headaches every day. I also work outside all the day.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Seeing the sun and very bright lighting can cause damage resulting in phototoxicity and can cause macular (the focusing part of the retina) damage. So I would suggest you avoid such things again. I would recommend you use sunglasses while you are outside and use lubricant eye drops Allergan refresh celluvisc (Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium) one drop four times per day, for both the eyes for one week. For a headache (if it develops), use any regular pain medication. If you develop any disturbance in vision or if you see a black spot in your visual field, please report immediately to an Ophthalmologist (not optometrist). Do you have any history of sinusitis or use of glasses for near vision?