Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
By Judith Lee
and Gretchyn Bailey;
reviewed by Dr. Vance Thompson
Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light. Sunlight, fluorescent light,
incandescent light — all can be bothersome. Sometimes light-sensitive people are bothered
only by bright light. In extreme cases, any light can be irritating.
Photophobia Symptoms
and Signs
The main symptom of photophobia is discomfort in bright light and a need to squint or close
your eyes to escape it. Headache may also accompany light sensitivity.
 |
Glare-control sunglasses, like these by Corning, are
helpful if you are sensitive to sunlight or even strong indoor lighting.
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What Causes Photophobia?
People with lighter-colored eyes, cataracts
and those who suffer from migraine headaches
are more likely to notice sensitivity to light and glare.
Often, photophobia is a symptom of another underlying problem, such as
a corneal abrasion,
uveitis or a central nervous system disorder such
as meningitis. Light sensitivity may also be associated
with retinal detachment,
contact lens irritations, sunburn and refractive surgery.
Photophobia often accompanies albinism, total color deficiency (seeing only in shades of gray),
botulism, rabies, mercury poisoning, conjunctivitis,
keratitis and
iritis. Certain rare diseases, such as the
genetic disorder keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD), are reported to cause photophobia. And some medications may
cause light sensitivity as a side effect, including belladonna, furosemide, quinine, tetracycline and doxycycline.
Photophobia Treatment
The best treatment for light sensitivity is to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, once the
triggering factor is treated, photophobia disappears. If you are taking a medication that causes
light sensitivity, talk to the prescribing physician about discontinuing it or replacing it with another drug.
If you're sensitive to light, avoid bright sunlight and other bright lights. Wear wide-brimmed hats
and sunglasses with ultraviolet
(UV) protection.
In an extreme case, you may consider wearing prosthetic contact lenses that are specially colored to look like your
own eyes. Prosthetic contact lenses can reduce the amount of light that enters the eye, so your eyes are more
comfortable. [Read more about prosthetic contact lenses.]
[Page updated May 2006]
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