Photosensitivity, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light): What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Photophobia; Light sensitivity; Vision – light sensitive; Eyes – sensitivity to light

What is light sensitivity?

Light sensitivity is a state, in which a person experiences an unusually strong reaction to light. This may include physical discomfort from bright lights., headaches and even temporary visual disturbances. Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia (photophobia), can range from mild to severe and may be a symptom of various eye conditions, as well as such diseases, like lupus, migraine and cataract.

Causes of photosensitivity

Sensitivity to light can be caused by a number of factors.. Some of these include:

• Acute iritis or uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Eye burns
• corneal erosion
• Corneal ulcer
• Drugs, such as amphetamines, atropyn, cocaine , cyclopentolate, idoxuridine, Phenylephrine, scopolamine, trifluridine, tropicamide and vidarabine
• Excessive contact lens wear or ill-fitting contact lenses.
• eye disease, trauma or infection (eg, chalazion , episcleritis , glaucoma )
• Eyesight check, when the eyes are wide
• Meningitis
• Migraine
• Recovery after eye surgery

Symptoms of photosensitivity

The most common symptom of photosensitivity is physical discomfort in response to bright light., such as sunlight or fluorescent lighting. Depending on the intensity of exposure and individual sensitivity, this discomfort can range from mild to severe.. Other symptoms of photosensitivity may include:

• Headache
• Temporary visual impairment, such as blur, double vision and increased sensitivity to bright light.
• Sore eyes
• Lacrimation
• squinting
• Red, itchy eyes

When to see a doctor

If you experience any symptoms of light sensitivity, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Special attention should be paid to any sudden onset of photosensitivity and any accompanying symptoms., such as headache or eye pain. If sensitivity to light is not treated, this can lead to permanent visual impairment or even blindness.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you visit your doctor, he will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms and how, how long do you experience them. Often, to better understand your condition and how best to treat it, your doctor asks various questions, such as:

• When did you get photosensitivity?
• How long ago did you first notice the symptoms?
• At what time of the day do you notice a decrease in photosensitivity?
• Have you taken any medications or supplements recently?
• Are you prone to any diseases, such as allergies or migraines?

Tell your doctor, if you have any of these symptoms:

• Pain in the eye
• Nausea or dizziness
• Headache or neck stiffness
• Blurred vision
• Pain or sore in the eye
• Redness, itching or swelling
• Numbness or tingling in other parts of the body
• Hearing changes

Light sensitivity diagnostics

To diagnose sensitivity to light, your doctor will first do a physical eye exam and assess your reaction to bright light. He can then recommend certain tests, such as an eye test or visual field test, to test your photosensitivity. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as MRI or computed tomography, to check for underlying diseases.

Photosensitivity treatment

Treatment for photosensitivity depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is an eye infection or injury, treatment may include eye drops or ointment to reduce inflammation and irritation. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical corticosteroid to reduce swelling and pain..

If the cause of photosensitivity is an underlying disease, such as lupus or migraine, treatment will include elimination of the underlying disease. The doctor may prescribe certain medications or lifestyle changes, to reduce symptoms.

Home treatment for photosensitivity

In addition to medical treatment, there are various steps you can take at home, to reduce sensitivity to light. These include:

• Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are a great way to reduce exposure to bright light and reduce discomfort., associated with sensitivity to light.
• Avoid bright screens. Limiting exposure to bright screens can help reduce light sensitivity.
• Reducing stress levels. Stress can impair sensitivity to light, so taking steps to reduce stress levels can help reduce symptoms.
• Take breaks. Regular breaks away from bright lights help reduce discomfort, photosensitivity.

Prevention of photosensitivity

There are several steps, you can take, to prevent light sensitivity or reduce its severity. These include:

• Wear sunglasses. Even if you are not sensitive to light, it is important to wear sunglasses, to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
• Reduce the impact of screens. Limiting exposure to bright screens can help prevent overexposure to bright light and reduce the risk of developing photosensitivity..
• Stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated can help prevent dry eyes, one of the most common causes of photosensitivity.
• Reducing stress levels. Stress can impair sensitivity to light, so practice stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation, may help reduce the risk of sensitivity to light.

Used sources and literature

Ghanem RC, Ghanem MA, Azar DT. LASIK complications and their management. In: Azar DT, ed. Refractive Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 15.

Lee OL. Idiopathic and other anterior uveitis syndromes. In: Yanoff M, Tablecloths JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 7.20.

Olson J. Medical ophthalmology. In: Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 27.