Brain Trauma and Post-Concussion

How Colored Glasses Can Help

What is Brain Trauma and Post-Concussion?

The brain is the control center for all sensory information, including vision and light perception. When a person experiences brain trauma, also known as traumatic brain injury (TBI), normal brain function can be disrupted, often leading to visual symptoms such as photophobia.

This sensitivity occurs because injury can alter the neural pathways that process light and pain, making everyday lighting feel uncomfortably bright. Other symptoms may include headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. Brain trauma affects millions of people worldwide each year. The severity and duration of photophobia vary depending on the extent and location of the injury.

Recovery often involves a combination of light-filtering lenses, environmental modifications, and rehabilitation therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is important to monitor progress and address any ongoing visual or neurological issues.

How Brain Trauma impacts vision

Normal eyes process full-field vision with clear perception and recognition. In brain trauma, neural pathways are impacted that may result in double vision and light sensitivity.

Managing Brain Trauma with the right tinted lenses

When light hurts your eyes, the right tint makes all the difference.
Red lense imageFl-41 lense imageAmber lense image

Red

On the rougher days when light sensitivity is really dialed up, red tints can be a lifesaver. They’re bold and dramatic, reducing light intensity to a serious degree. Not everyone with brain trauma needs red tints all the time, but when you do, you’ll know. They’re especially useful for short bursts of high-light environments or for creating a "visual reset" zone when your brain needs a break.

Red lense image
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Red lense image

FL-41

FL-41 isn’t just trendy—it’s trusted. This rose-colored tint was developed specifically for light sensitivity caused by neurological issues. It filters out wavelengths most associated with triggering pain and overstimulation. People with post-concussive symptoms swear by it, especially for screen use, fluorescent lighting, and navigating daily life without a constant headache. It’s gentle, but powerful.

Fl-41 lense image
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Fl-41 lense image

Amber

After brain injury, even basic visuals can feel like sensory overload. Amber tints are like putting a soft filter on a chaotic world. They reduce brightness, increase contrast, and help your eyes (and brain) process the visual environment more calmly. They’re especially helpful for people dealing with light sensitivity and visual fatigue; think of them as a warm blanket for overstimulated vision. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, amber is a go-to for people who want comfort without complete darkness.

Amber lense image
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Amber lense image

Struggling with photophobia?

Take our quick quiz to uncover the right sunglasses for you.

Are bright lights making your daily life uncomfortable? Finding relief starts with understanding what’s really affecting your vision. Take our Light Sensitivity Quiz to get personalized recommendations for the best sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Take the Light Sensitivity Quiz