light sensitivity

I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about a month and a half now. Just this past week I began using prescription topical gels for acne. I have had no problems prior but recently have been experiencing light sensitivity to flouresecent lighting. You know how if you look at a dark object on a light background for a long time and then look away you see the outline of the object? It's sort of like that.

I never experienced this before I started using the topical gels but have found little information linking the two. I'd rather not discontinue my birth control. Could it be that the topical gels are affecting my light sensitivity?

I also just had an eye exam (last week) before the light sensitivity started and everything was fine then.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Lin307,

I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD to evaluate the light sensitivity to determine the cause.  Make sure that you do not get the topical gel in your eye and avoid the eyelids.  You may already be aware that some of these gels may be toxic to the eye.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California