The treatment | Light-sensitive eyes – What could be behind them?

The treatment

The treatment of an increased light sensitivity depends on the underlying disease. If there is an inflammation of the eye skin (uveitis), eye drops containing cortisone can be used for treatment. In the case of retrobulbar neuritis, i.e. inflammation of the optic nerve, multiple sclerosis should first be ruled out, as it is treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs.

If the neuritis was caused by bacteria, antibiotics are given. If the cause is unclear, glucocorticoids are administered to reduce the inflammatory reaction. The treatment of acute migraine can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or with the administration of triptans.

As prophylaxis of migraine attacks, ß-blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol can be used. If depression is present, antidepressants can be used for treatment. Psychotherapy is also recommended.

If an imbalance of thyroid hormones is detected, this can be restored with medication. If the thyroid gland is underactive, L-thyroxine, the thyroid hormone, can be substituted. Hyperfunction can be alleviated by thyrostatic drugs.

Thyrostatics are drugs that inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. A vitamin A deficiency can be corrected by taking vitamin A. An advanced vitamin B12 deficiency with functional deficits can unfortunately no longer be remedied – a progression can be prevented by substituting vitamin B12.

Glasses may be suitable for treatment of contact lens intolerance. Unfortunately, some people react very sensitively to contact lenses – reddened and itchy eyes occur. A change of contact lens brand can be undertaken.

However, if this does not help either, wearing glasses is recommended. If you suffer from inflammation of the skin of your eyes and you normally wear contact lenses, they should not be worn again until the healing process is complete. In this case, wearing glasses is also recommended.

The duration

The duration of the disease cannot be answered in general. It depends on the underlying disease. An inflammation of the eye skin usually heals within a few weeks.

Inflammation of the optic nerve (retrobulbar neuritis) can heal within a few weeks if it is caused by bacteria. However, if it is caused by multiple sclerosis, the disease can occur again and again. If the sensitivity to light is caused by an acute migraine attack, it disappears of its own accord after the acute phase.

In the presence of a thyroid disease, it usually takes several weeks, since the optimal concentration of thyroid hormones must first be adjusted. Even in the case of depression, it can take several weeks before the symptoms subside, as the medication must first be administered.