Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)

By Judith Lee and Gretchyn Bailey; reviewed by Vance Thompson, MD

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.

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.

Glare-control sunglasses, like these by Corning, are helpful if you are sensitive to sunlight or even strong indoor lighting.

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]