Well actually no, I cannot read by only relying on the small reading light; unfortunately it gives me a headache because it's not enough light.

I have no problem watching TV at home at 2pm if the sun is not directly beaming at the TV. On previous flights, I have watched IFE with lots of ambient light without any problem.

The sun was not facing anybody's screen when my shades were open; so everybody could still watch their movie, and I could read.

I think the issue was more about this man wanting to sleep rather than light causing an issue with IFE to him or anybody else. So it came down to his sleep vs my reading. If he cannot sleep while wearing eye shades, then I am sorry he cannot. But I am not sure his sleep issues should necessarily have priority over my intent to read for more than half the flight. I did not want to cause him problems but the minute he became impolite then I stopped having much concern about weighing his needs vs mine.

If he knows he cannot sleep with eye shades, then he needs to find another solution that works for him. If he simply relies on every single window side passenger wanting their window shade down, then chances are he will be disappointed.