Macular Pigment and Photophobia

Photophobia our sensitivity to bright light affects many people, and subsequently visual performance in many areas including sports, driving, and just being outside. One of the many benefits of improving visual performance through healthy macular pigment includes photophobia.

Thicker or more “dense” macular pigment is like having “internal sunglasses” that not only protect your vision, but also:

• Reduce your sensitivity to bright light
• Improve photo recovery – for example, a camera flash or bright sun, and the time it takes to see “normally” again
• Reduce glare – hats and black under the eyes helps, but those are external…this is internal
• Improved contrast sensitivity – see the outlines of objects against backgrounds more easily
• Improve seeing distance through haze