Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, is a sensitivity or intolerance to light. Usually, the iris is unable to constrict enough to reduce the light entering the eye, but not in this condition, which is normally a symptom of associated disorders or diseases, such as corneal inflammation, aphakia, iritis, or ocular albinism. Photophobia or light sensitivity is a common eye complaint. In extreme forms the person performs best in very low light levels.

Light sensitivity, however, is not limited only to eyes but also involves skin-pigmentation and headache as a result of excessive exposure to light. It may also cause ophthalmologic migraine- a steady; gnawing, boring, eye pain involvement of the nerves of the cavernous sinus, symptoms lasting days or weeks with spontaneous remission with recurrent attacks occurring after month or years.

Some of the main symptoms of photophobia include:

• Pain in the eye
• Redness in eye
• Itching in eye
• Eye feels swelled up
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Exposure to light can be managed by wearing anti-glare glasses.

The most common cause of photophobia is inflammation of the anterior region of the eye, which includes the colored iris. The muscular iris controls pupil size and adjusts the amount of light entering the eye. Just as a sore back hurts when you bend it, an inflamed iris muscle painfully constricts when light hits the eye. Even if the injured eye is patched, the light sensitivity continues because light hitting the uninjured eye causes both pupils to constrict.

Another common cause of photophobia is a cataract. When the natural clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, a cataract has formed. Cataracts tend to scatter light, similar to a frosted window in wintertime. The disrupted image causes discomfort, which is perceived as pain. Albinism and glaucoma are other two diseases that may lead to photophobia.

Some sensitivity to light is only triggered by bright light, however, most photophobias are caused by more complex conditions, and examples are listed below: 

• Excessive wearing of contact lenses or badly fitting contact lenses 
• Eye disease, injury, or infection (such as chalazion, episcleritis, glaucoma) 
• Burns to the eye(s) 
• Common migraine headache 
• Meningitis 
• Acute iritis 
• Corneal abrasion 
• Corneal ulcer 
• Uveitis

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting the sensitivity to light in detail may include:
Time pattern 
When did this begin? 
Is the sensitivity to light constant or occasional? 
Quality 
How severe is the sensitivity? 
Are dark glasses needed? 
Are darkened rooms needed? 
Aggravating factors 
Have the pupils recently been dilated with medications? 
Do you use contact lenses? 
Do you have headaches? 
Do you use soaps, lotions, or cosmetics around your eyes? 
Have you had an exposure to dust, wind, sun, pollens, or chemicals? 
Relieving factors 
Is it better after you rest? 
Is it better when you wear dark glasses? 
Is it better when you are in darkened rooms? 
Do any medications make it better? 
Other 
What other symptoms are also present? 
Pain in the eye 
Headache 
Nausea 
Neck stiffness 
Blurred vision 
Sore or wound in eye 
Redness 
Itching 
Swelling 
Dizziness 
Numbness or tingling elsewhere in the body 
Changes in hearing 
Additional important information 
What medications are being taken? 
Have you had any injuries? 
Do you have a history of migraine headaches? 
Do you use “street drugs

Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits. Take plenty of carrot juice, as it is very good for the eye conditions.

In school children with ocular conditions for which photophobia is an accompanying symptom (notably albinism, aniridia, aphakia, dislocated lens, but possibly also cataracts and/or glaucoma), controlled illumination and preferential seating are suggested. Light sources should be shielded to prevent direct light into the eyes, and attention should be given to eliminating glare from paper, texts, desktops and blackboards.

The discomfort of light sensitivity can be reduced by avoiding sunlight, closing the eyes, wearing dark glasses, or darkening the room.