Light Filtering Lenses and Visual Photosensitivity in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to assess visual photosensitivity using the Ocular Photosensitivity Analyzer (OPA) with and without light filtering lenses in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and non-TBI controls. METHODS. This cohort study included 46 individuals with TBI (n = 46) and without TBI (n = 46) assessed from May 2021 to August 2023 at a large academic tertiary center. Visual photosensitivity thresholds (VPTs) were measured at two visits (≥1 month apart) under four lens conditions: no lens (NL), plano lenses (PLs), FL-41 lenses (FLs), and gray-filtering lenses (GLs). Lower VPTs indicate greater visual photosensitivity. RESULTS. Participants with TBI had significantly lower VPTs compared with non-TBI controls across all lens conditions at the initial visit (TBI: PL = 1.6 ± 0.9, FL = 1.9 ± 0.9, and GL = 1.9 ± 1.0; and non-TBI: PL = 2.5 ± 0.9, FL = 2.8 ± 0.9, and GL = 2.8 ± 0.9 log lux, P < 0.05). Both groups showed improved (higher) VPTs with FLs and GLs compared with NL and PL conditions. Results were repeatable at the second visit (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = >0.80 for all conditions). CONCLUSIONS. Individuals with TBI consistently demonstrated greater visual photosensitivity compared with controls. FL and GL light filtering lenses improved light tolerance for both groups. These results highlight visual photosensitivity as a TBI sequela and suggest that these light filtering lenses may serve as effective treatment options.