What Causes Light Sensitivity?

Squinting in bright sunlight and taking a moment for your eyes to adjust when going from a dark environment to light is usually normal. However, photophobia involves an abnormal intolerance to light.

Light sensitivity is a common symptom of various eye diseases, migraines, and medical conditions. In most cases, light sensitivity is temporary and treatment is often not needed. However, it is helpful to recognize the causes of photophobia since it may be a symptom of a serious eye disease. 

The article below examines the causes, symptoms, and treatments for photophobia. 
​

What is Photophobia? 

Photophobia is an increased intolerance to bright light. It may be more noticeable in bright sunlight. However, light sensitivity can also occur even with moderate levels of artificial light, such as in an office or at home. Usually, increased light sensitivity is nothing to worry about or does not signal a serious eye condition. However, there are some instances where it may be related to an eye disease or other underlying medical condition.

Symptoms of Photophobia 

The symptoms of photophobia generally start immediately after exposure to bright light and usually affect both eyes.

Typically, symptoms include: 

• Sensitivity to light
• Pain or discomfort when looking towards the light  
• Squinting
• Headache 
• Excessively dry eyes
  
• Frequent blinking 

​

Causes of Photophobia 

According to research in the journal Neuroophthalmol, the underlying mechanism of photophobia is likely related to pain sensitivity. Some conditions that cause photophobia are related to the eye, and in other instances, it develops due to the way the body detects pain.  

For instance, migraines are a common cause of photophobia. During a migraine, the head and eyes become sensitive to things that are normally not painful, such as smells, sounds, and light.

Infections may also lead to light sensitivity. For example, meningitis may cause light sensitivity due to inflammation of the structures near or in the eyes, making light stimuli intolerable. 

Photophobia can also develop due to a temporary situation, such as having your eyes dilated for an eye exam. 
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are many possible causes of photophobia, including these listed below: 

• Dry Eyes
• Pink Eye
• Corneal abrasions 
• Tension headaches
• Optic neuritis 
• Dental problems 
  
• Medication side effects

​

​Treatment 

Typically, photophobia is a temporary condition and treatment is not needed. However, there are ways to manage it at home to relieve symptoms. Treatment and prevention may include the following:

Treat the underlying condition: Treating the underlying cause of light sensitivity will often reduce symptoms. For example, treating migraines will likely reduce photophobia symptoms.

Wear sunglasses: It may seem like common sense to wear sunglasses if you have photophobia, but it is helpful to remember that the light from the sun can also penetrate the clouds. Depending on the severity of your light sensitivity, you may need to wear sunglasses even on overcast days.

Use green-tinted light when possible: Green-tinted light bulbs or glasses may not induce photophobia the same way that other colors of light do.

Consider eye drops: If you have dry eyes or discomfort, over-the-counter eye drops may help moisten the eyes and reduce symptoms.

Decrease exposure to light: Decreasing exposure to light may not always be possible. However, you may be able to use dimmer lights in your home and sit farther away from a window at work.

Try specialized lenses: Photochromic lenses become darker when exposed to light. They may filter out specific wavelengths of light, reducing symptoms of photophobia.

We hope the above information was helpful to cope with light sensitivity. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.