Light Sensitivity (Photophobia): Understanding Causes and Finding Relief

Eye care
Written By Lucinda Howard

With the recent good weather, I have seen an increase in patients reporting light sensitivity in clinic. This is termed photophobia. You may experience a sensitivity to very bright light, such as sunlight, or low light, such as incandescent lighting. Depending on the severity of your sensitivity, you can have a little discomfort or experience unpleasant eye pain. Those with light coloured eyes can be more likely to have problem with light sensitivity, however photophobia is also caused by a range of eye conditions, as well as conditions that affect the entire body.

Maui Jim Sunglasses great for photophobia

Photophobia can result in sensitivity to a range of different light sources – one, some, or all may cause you problems. These light sources can include:

  • Sunlight

  • Reflective surfaces, such as roads or windows

  • Water glare

  • Reflection from sand or snow

  • Artificial light sources (fluorescent or incandescent lights)

There are a few signs and symptoms that can let you know you are experiencing photophobia; these can include:

  • Squinting

  • Feeling like you need to close your eyes

  • Headaches

  • General discomfort around light

  • Severe eye pain in light, even indoors

  • Red eye or blurred vision with light sensitivity

Some of these symptoms may go away after a day or two, however, if you are concerned, or symptoms persist, visit your optometrist or health care provider.

Photophobia is usually caused by an underlying eye condition or problem that results in light sensitivity. However, there is spectrum of sensitivity, and you may be sensitive to light without any physical cause, or as a side effect from growing older. It is still important that you visit an optometrist if you are experiencing photophobia, so they can rule out the possible causes.

A few common causes can include:

  • Migraine headaches

  • Acute iritis or uveitis (internal eye inflammation)

  • Corneal abrasion

  • Corneal ulcer

  • Contact lens irritation

  • Glaucoma

  • Conjunctivitis

  • Eye disease or infection

  • Eye injury

  • Meningitis

  • Detached retina

Some of these causes, such as meningitis or corneal abrasion, are considered medical emergencies and urgent care may be required. 

To diagnose the source of your photophobia an eye examination is required.

Depending on the cause of photophobia treatment will very much depend on the underlying cause. If the condition causing the problem (e.g., cataracts or uveitis) is treated, you should see an improvement in your light sensitivity. If you are someone whose eyes are naturally light sensitive, an optometrist can advise on different types of spectacles to help reduce the discomfort or pain.

Anti-glare lenses help reduce the glare from reflective surfaces, such as windows, water, the road, snow, and sand.

Spectacles or sunglasses should have UV filters to help protect your eyes from harmful sun rays. It is best to have UV lenses that protect from both UVA and UVB light. Polarised lenses are useful in very bright sunlight as they can help reduce the glare reflected from flat surfaces like water, snow, sand, windows, or car bonnets. Polarised lenses, such as Maui Jim sunglasses, remove UVA, UVB and UVC light.

Tinted lenses may be recommended to best treat light sensitivity. Tints can range from blues to reds and yellows, all limiting certain light wavelengths from entering the eyes and causing discomfort. The colour of the tint you choose tends to be more a matter of personal preference. It is not the case that certain tints help certain situations, rather that particular tints will ease a problem for a particular individual.

I look forward to welcoming you to the practice again soon.

Lucinda

*The information presented here reflects general information about photophobia but of course there are always exceptions to the information stated

 
Lucinda Howard
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