How do you Treat Light Sensitivity?

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I'm looking for some lightly tinted sunglasses or something similar to wear at work, because I work in retail, under fluorescent lights all day, and after a while they really hurt my eyes, cause headache and sensory overload, and make me very irritable and overwhelmed. They can't be classic black lenses because I need them to look appropriate for wearing indoors. I looked into Irlen lenses, but I can't afford to get officially tested and matched with the right colour lenses, and even without the test, real Irlen glasses cost over $100, which I can't afford either. What do you do for your light sensitivity? Can you make any reccommendations?

You might be able to get an optician to do light tinted lenses for you -- this company calls them "category 3 fashion tints".

You can buy "light tints" that are described as "cosmetic only" from this place in the UK (the international shipping is really expensive, but the lenses are not). There might be other online glasses shops like it that also sell light tinted lenses.

I've been using polarized lenses, available for $20 in a lot of pharmacies. They work pretty well although they are obviously sunglasses. There may be some lighter polarized lenses out there but I was looking for the darkest thing possible. Another thing I used to do was have photosensitive coating on my eyeglasses, since I wear prescription lenses for nearsightedness. The lenses change tint based on how bright it is, and are always slightly tinted. I need to get mine coated -- i'd skipped it last time because I didn't have the money, but it's still much cheaper than Irlens.

I don't think I have Irlen syndrome, since I don't have the visual distortions described or dyslexia, but I do get massive headaches, dizziness, and disorientation in bright sunlight. I wouldn't worry about how it looks--just tell people you have light-sensitive migraines if you are not out about being ASD. My doctor wants me to see a neurologist to rule out other issues as well, and also an ear-nose-throat doctor to check me for vestibular (balance) problems.

KD's original biker shades are what I wear. Traditional "nerd style" frames with tinted lenses in lots of shades. Around $8 USD on Ebay and Amazon.

Thanks for all the input guys, it's helpful. I'm doing some online window shopping!

Hi StarTrekker,

I wear lightly tinted (blue-grey) polarized prescription glasses and they have helped tremendously. Also, they are Transition lenses that get darker in brighter light which is great.

Good luck in your glasses hunting.