Glare Control

Photophobia or extreme sensitivity to light and glare can be a severe problem for many low vision patients. Many eye diseases create intraocular light scatter that can significantly reduce effective vision. The eyes become hypersensitive to what the normal eye sees only as moderate glare. The shorter wavelength, high-energy part of the visible spectrum dominates daylight and is a contributor to glare. Glare can be a problem both indoors and outdoors.

Patients complain of intense light sensitivity and hazy vision. Visual function is impaired by glare and loss of contrast. To effectively improve a person’s vision, problems with glare need to be addressed when glasses or other low vision ads are prescribed. Special tints will also increase contrast sense which will also increase visual acuity.

There are a large variety of tints or filters with varying degrees of light transmission and contrast enhancement. The glasses can be pre-made to be worn alone or over the patient's current eyeglasses. They can also be custom-made with the patients prescription. Wellness Protection Eyewear, Polaroid lenses, Corning Glare Control Lenses, Drivewear lenses, ultra-violet (UV) coatings, anti-reflective coatings and pinhole contact lenses will all help a patient become more comfortable both indoors and outdoors. Light sensitive patient should also consider wearing frames with side shields along with hats and visors.

During your eye examination, your ViewFinder Eye Doctor will evaluate your glare sensitivity in different situations and prescribe the appropriate tint to maximize your vision and increase your comfort.