Light sensitivity (or photophobia) and glare are common problems for glaucoma patients, often making outdoor activities and driving more difficult. Light sensitivity is a result of the pressure build-up in the eyes that is characteristic of glaucoma. Patients who experience light sensitivity typically feel discomfort from sunlight, incandescent lights, and/or fluorescent lights. Halogen lights, like those used in car headlights, and fluorescent store lighting or fixtures can cause an uncomfortable glare for those with glaucoma, as well.

A bright sunny day can cause not only discomfort due to a patient’s sensitivity, but also create glare off surfaces such as sand, water, glass, or pavement. In addition, some glaucoma medications (miotics) constrict the pupils which can be a contributor to glare problems.

Glaucoma and Eye Protection

One of the easiest ways for glaucoma patients to ease the discomfort caused by glare and light sensitivity is to utilize proper sunglasses. Protecting the eyes from UV rays is important for everyone, and especially those with ocular health complications. Knowing what features to look for will help you choose sunglasses that will best alleviate your glaucoma symptoms.

Sunglasses for Glaucoma Patients

Cost and color (darkness) of sunglasses are not necessarily good determining factors for effectiveness. Expensive sunglasses do not always provide the best eye protection, and a dark tint doesn’t always block UV rays adequately.

Following these sunglass tips will help you acquire the best eyewear for managing glaucoma:

• When purchasing sunglasses, be sure the label states that they provide 99-100% blockage of UV rays or “UV absorption up to 400 nm” – this is 100% absorption.
• Consider wraparound sunglasses for extra protection, as they help prevent light and UV rays from entering through the sides.
• To ensure that enough light and glare are screened out, look in the mirror while wearing the sunglasses. If you can easily see your eyes through the lenses, they may not be dark enough for outdoors.
• Use attachable tinted lenses for different types of lighting. Yellow, amber, or brown tints are effective at cutting glare from fluorescent lights, while darker shades may be needed outdoors on a bright day. Experiment with tints to see what work best for you since needs are varied for the different types of glaucoma.

Your glaucoma specialist can assist you with additional information about tinted lenses.

Other sunglass features that can benefit glaucoma patients include:

• Mirrored/metallic coating: Helpful in high-glare situations and reduces how much visible light enters the eyes
• Polarized: Cuts reflected glare and can be especially beneficial while driving, on water, or in snowy environments
• Gradient: Shaded darker on top (or top and bottom) and lighter in the middle, allowing good visibility while cutting glare from above or below
• Photochromic: Lenses which darken in bright lights and lighten in lower lighting

Driving with Glaucoma

Glare problems and light sensitivity from glaucoma can be a serious complication while driving. Many glaucoma patients choose to avoid night driving due to the headlight glare making it difficult to see well at night. If lightly tinted (yellow or amber) eyewear is unhelpful at reducing headlight glare, you may need to consider rearranging your schedule to drive during the day or asking a friend or relative to drive you. For day driving, many glaucoma patients successfully utilize darker lenses to reduce sunlight glare and sensitivity.

Warning signs that driving may be dangerous include:

• Loss of peripheral vision: Without full vision, drivers may have difficulty seeing obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians from the side. Reaction time may also be affected.
• Blurred vision: If vision is becoming blurry, drivers may not be able to distinguish images clearly, such as pedestrians, passing cars, and road signs.
• Increased light sensitivity: If your eyes are requiring longer periods of time to adjust to sunlight or headlight glare, you may need to limit driving.
• Close calls or vehicular accidents: If you begin to experience near misses or are involved in one or more collisions in which you are at fault, you may need to have your driving evaluated.

If you are a glaucoma patient and driving is a concern for you, ask a trusted friend or family member to ride with you and give you an honest opinion about your driving. Be ready to accept driving advice given to you out of genuine concern. While it is difficult to consider giving up some independence, your safety and the safety of those around you should be the primary concern. Most cities have multiple inexpensive options in regards to transportation, and your glaucoma doctor or occupational therapist can be good resources for you, as well.

If you are experiencing problems with light sensitivity, glare, or driving or are concerned that you may have glaucoma, contact the fellowship-trained ophthalmologists at Glaucoma Associates of Texas for an evaluation. Contact us by completing an appointment request form or call us for an evaluation at:

Dallas Office 214-360-0000
Fort Worth Office 817-923-2000
Plano Office 972-612-9522