Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity is the intolerance or discomfort felt by some people to brightness. Usually, this symptom manifests itself when the light is excessive, bright, or intense, but, in more extreme cases, people may suffer episodes at any light, and this is known as ''photophobia''. 

Symptoms vary from person to person, but the common ones are: 

• Itching or stinging of the eyes

• Discomfort when exposed to bright light

• Need to squint or close the eyes

• Red or swollen eyes with a burning sensation

• Eye pain

• Headache or neck pain

• Blurred vision

• Nausea and dizziness

• Reflex tearing

CAUSES OF LIGHT SENSITIVITY

Light sensitivity can be a symptom of underlying diseases that do not directly affect the eyes, such as viruses, severe headaches, or migraines. Other causes include glaucoma, computer vision syndrome (from screens), burns, uveitis, a foreign body inside the eye, or misuse of contact lenses. 

Common causes include:

• Migraine: Migraines are often followed by nausea, light and sound sensitivity.

• Blepharospasm: In blepharospasm, there are repetitive muscle spasms in the eyelid, causing sensitivity to light and blurred vision.

• Post-concussion: After a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, patients often suffer from light sensitivity.

• Ocular albinism: The lack of pigment in the colored part of the eye (the iris) makes the iris translucent. It means that the iris cannot completely block light from entering the eye, making it sensitive to light.

TREATMENT

The primary treatment aims to reduce light discomfort, and it is achieved through eyeglasses and filters. Filters may vary depending on the lens. They can be FL-41, blue filter, polarized lenses and/or transitions.

FL41 filters are a rose-colored lens designed to help people with light sensitivity due to migraines. These lenses are therapeutic and filter out both blue and green wavelengths.

Blue filter lenses help mitigate the discomfort of light from screens, such as a television, computer, or phone. 

Polarized sunglass lenses are designed to reduce the glare that occurs when light reflects off surfaces such as water, sand, and snow. When sunlight reflecting off these surfaces reaches your eyes, it can distort vision. These are best for those who cannot tolerate daylight. 

During the eye examination, our optometrists can diagnosis and select the correct filter according to your needs and symptoms.