Light Sensitivity: The Causes and Treatments
What Is Light Sensitivity?
Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, refers to a condition in which the eyes become highly sensitive to light. People with light sensitivity often experience discomfort, pain, or an aversion to bright lights, whether they are natural or artificial sources of light.
Symptoms of light sensitivity can vary from person to person but may include:
Eye discomfort: Bright lights can cause eye strain, eye pain, or a sensation of burning or itching in the eyes.
Squinting or closing the eyes: Individuals may instinctively squint or close their eyes when exposed to bright lights.
Headaches: Prolonged exposure to bright lights can trigger headaches or migraines in some individuals.
Blurred vision: Light sensitivity can cause temporary blurred vision, making it difficult to see clearly.
Nausea or dizziness: In severe cases, exposure to bright lights may induce nausea or dizziness.
What Are the Common Causes Of Light Sensitivity?
Light sensitivity can be a symptom of an underlying condition or may occur independently. Some common causes of light sensitivity include:
Migraines: Many individuals with migraines experience sensitivity to light during an episode.
Eye conditions: Certain eye conditions, such as dry eyes, corneal abrasions, uveitis, or cataracts, can cause light sensitivity.
Medications: Some medications, like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs, can increase light sensitivity as a side effect.
Concussion or head trauma: People who have experienced a concussion or head trauma may develop light sensitivity as part of their symptoms.
Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections, such as conjunctivitis or meningitis, can lead to light sensitivity.
Neurological conditions: Conditions like post-concussion syndrome, meningitis, or optic neuritis can cause light sensitivity.
If you experience light sensitivity, we recommend scheduling an appointment with an optometrist. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment or management strategies to alleviate the symptoms.
What Are Treatment Options for Photophobia?
The treatment options for light sensitivity depend on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments that may help manage and alleviate light sensitivity:
Adjusting lighting conditions: Minimize exposure to bright or harsh lighting by using dimmer switches, reducing screen brightness, or wearing tinted glasses or sunglasses when necessary. Creating a more comfortable lighting environment can help reduce the discomfort caused by light sensitivity. Visit our blog post on blinking exercises here.
Protective eyewear: Wearing sunglasses with tinted lenses that block a certain percentage of light can be helpful, especially when outdoors or in bright indoor environments. Your optometrist can discuss whether it would be best to use polarized lenses or FL-41 lenses. For more information on FL-41, see our blog post here.
Prescription glasses or contact lenses: In some cases, prescription glasses or contact lenses with light-filtering or photochromic properties can provide relief from light sensitivity. These specialized lenses can help reduce the intensity of light entering the eyes.
Management of underlying conditions: Treating the underlying cause of light sensitivity, such as addressing dry eye syndrome, corneal abrasions, or infections, can often help alleviate the symptoms of light sensitivity. Working closely with a healthcare professional or eye specialist to manage the primary condition is crucial.
Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also contribute to managing light sensitivity. These may include taking regular breaks from screens, avoiding triggers like bright sunlight or flashing lights, practicing stress-reducing techniques, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and staying hydrated.
Please contact us for your eye health, with a focus on light sensitivity. Our optometrists will customize a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms related to the underlying cause of your photophobia, click the link below