Photosensitivity in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Primary objective: To determine whether photosensitivity (PS) changes over time and, if so, what factors may be related to the change; furthermore, to determine whether tint density changes over time, all in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Design and methods: A retrospective analysis of 62 patient records (aged 18–40 years) with mTBI and PS was conducted. All charts were obtained from the SUNY/College of Optometry clinics from 2004–2011.

Results: Fifty per cent demonstrated reduced PS over time, with most occurring after year 1 post-injury (40%). Promotion of PS reduction appears to be associated with the lack of spectacle tint usage (p = 0.01) and the use of contact lenses (p = 0.03). Inhibition of PS reduction appears to be associated with tinted lenses (p = 0.06), hyperacusis (p = 0.03), dry eye (p = 0.04), migraines (p = 0.03) and loss of consciousness at the time of injury (p = 0.05). Concerning tint density changes over time, 71% (p = 0.002) maintained the same degree over time, while 27% (p = 0.002) reduced and 2% waxed and waned.

Conclusion: Neural adaptation to PS appears to be a long-term process. Tint usage may act to inhibit this adaptive process, while the use of contact lenses may act to promote it. These findings may provide guidance in the clinical management of photosensitivity in the mTBI population.

• Contact lenses
• neural adaptation
• photophobia
• photosensitivity
• tinted lenses
• traumatic brain injury
• visual discomfort

Acknowledgements

We thank Mrs Liduvina Martinez-Gonzalez for assistance in organizing and performing the study’s computer patient queries. We also thank Naveen K. Yadav and Diana P. Ludlam for their suggestions and advice during manuscript preparation.