Extreme light sensitivity. What can be done?

@sunny1971 Has he been light sensitive all his life before surgery? I have had sun sensitivity for a long time but after my cataract surger,smy eyes have been worse I've had to wear dk glasses even indoors It's awful but I haven't found anything you can do so I just keep my special dk glasses handy as I have M.D. also what has his opthalmologist say?

@sunny1971 I changed the title of this discussion to: "Extreme light sensitivity. What can be done?" I did this to better reflect the question you are asking of fellow members.

I'd also be interested in your response to the question that @lioness asks. Was your husband sensitive to light before the cataract surgery? Have you considered getting a second opinion from another eye specialist?

no it just started in late may, he got an exam, and they found a pretty good size cataract in rt eye, mind you , he never went to an eye doc, or had a previous exam, hes 66, he is always in the sun surfing and fishing. his doc said its TIME and will go away ???

yes he is considering 2nd opinion. very soon, read my post to the last lady, he did have it prior to surgery, scary

@sunny1971 - I would definitely get a second opinion. You may want to talk with the pharmacist where you got the prescription for Lotemax which is the brand name for Loteprednol - you are correct about the sensitivity to light and pain side effects and that you should talk to the doctor immediately if you have these side effects when using the drug. Here more information from Mayo Clinic - Loteprednol (Ophthalmic Route): https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/loteprednol-ophthalmic-route/side-effects/drg-20064589

@sunny1971
Good morning,
I was photophobia twice. My first time I was in Las Vegas on a very hot sunny day I just walked out of the museum and I had to immediately close my eyes. The second time I fell and cut my cornea . The pain was extremely intense and I totally blocked out 100% of the light in my bedroom for one week and I stayed in there. You mentioned swelling. Do you know what structure exactly is swollen? Is his Optic Nerve swollen? Did I read correctly he had a ruptured AVM? If so did that cause any damage? There are so many causes for sensitivity not all associated directly with the eye. I was told if a person totally avoids light it may potentially turn an acute problem into a chronic one or even may become permanent. I would also discuss long term steroid eyedrops use with your ophthalmologist well hopefully with a new one.
Epilepsy, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Headaches. I believe you mentioned your husband has dry eyes that could also be a cause of sensitivity. People often overlook the seriousness of dry eyes which actually can lead to blindness in some people. However over-the-counter eyedrops don’t always solve the problem. Since the doctor mentioned inflammation is he seeing that in the eye? What color is the white part of his eye? Perhaps it could be the implant wasn’t put in correctly. The possibility does exist that your ophthalmologist is not being forthright with you. I like others would strongly recommend another opinion. I would seek out a top-rated eye clinic.
Although I'd choose one of the below top rated facilities, Mayo Clinic is always a good choice. Here is there contact information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/contact#jump3
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute-Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital, University of Miami
Miami, Florida
https://www.google.com/search?q=Bascom+Palmer+Eye+Institute-Anne+Bates+Leach+Eye+contact+information&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#trex=m_t:lcl_akp,rc_f:nav,rc_ludocids:9659690891294572316,rc_q:Bascom%2520Palmer%2520Eye%2520Institute,ru_q:Bascom%2520Palmer%2520Eye%2520Institute,trex_id:VemWB
Willsk Eye Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
https://www.google.com/search?q=Willsk+Eye+Hospital&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
215-928-3000

Wilmer Eye Institute
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en-us&ei=2uV1X_PUIOLD0PEPvq-U2AU&q=wilmer+eye+institute+contact+information&oq=Wilmer+Eye+Institute+contact+inf&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAEYADIHCCEQChCgAToECAAQRzoCCAA6BAgAEEM6BggAEBYQHjoFCCEQoAE6CAgAEAgQDRAeOggIIRAWEB0QHjoFCAAQzQJQrsUBWPTIAmCQ7AJoAnACeACAAe0BiAGRDJIBBTkuNC4xmAEAoAEByAEIwAEB&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
https://www.masseyeandear.org/locations/boston-main-campus
Stein and Doheny Eye Institutes,
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
https://www.google.com/search?q=Stein+and+Doheny+Eye+Institutes&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari
310-825-5000

Take car & wishing you all the best,
Jake

Thank you Jake, no i didnt mention swelling ,just inflammation of eye, due to cataract surgery, and yes dry eyes. Your right, people do not know the seriousness about dry eyes. MY husband doesnt even know what or why he got it! go figure, he's been in the sun his
whole life!. Even I know, from surfing and fishing. He is getting second opinion. We live on the beach in florida, so you know how the sun is here. If the second opinion does not work out, next step will probably be Baskin Palmer Institute in West Palm bch or
Miami. I still believe its dry eye syndrome along with the new cataract to adjust to. He is running out of patients, i get it. I would be
also. I have done research on the institute in Miami. Alot of people have suggested it. Thanxs, for writing in! mas

Hello @sunny1971, Greetings from another light sensitive eye person. SFN (small fiber neuropathy) creates heightened sun sensitivity. I lived on top of a mountain and generally above the cloud bank in addition to the frequent total sun days with low humidity. My Opthamologist had me try different sun glass lenses until we found one that blocks more sunlight.

They worked well and I am on my 4th pair. One, two, and three were left in a restaurant or office somewhere. I have #4 now and wonder if I can keep from losing them one more time. What has also helped is moving to a state with higher humidity.

May you be content and free of discomfort.
Chris

@sunny1971 On the heels of what Chris has suggested....my Neuro Opthamologist suggested FL-41 lenses for my photophobia from corneal disease and migraine. Axon Specs and TheraSpecs provide many options. It's all about the tint and what works best for each person's case. A wrap around pair, the kind that are big and protect front and side entry of light. Almost like cataract glasses. Surf the internet to find multiple options. It will be trial and error to hopefully find the better option for your husband. Also, I'm wondering if he is using preservative free lubricating drops for dry eye?

I knew she would be able to give you all the details. You can count on @rwinney to know and to share. Thanks Rachel.