Summer’s here, which means the sun is out in full force most days! But perhaps you find that frustrating because you constantly have to squint or shield your eyes, even while wearing sunglasses. Or, maybe the sunlight gives you headaches and makes you feel irritable. Either way, you may be dealing with photophobia. This condition has a variety of causes and symptoms, and it’s often linked to other medical issues like migraines and eye strain. So, what is photophobia? And if you think you suffer from it, what can you do to alleviate those pesky symptoms?
Shedding Light on Photophobia
What is photophobia? Also known as light sensitivity, photophobia is a condition in which a person’s eyes are unusually sensitive to light. Despite the second half of the name, it’s not a fear of light. Instead, it refers to discomfort or pain caused by exposure to bright light, whether that’s natural sunlight, indoor lighting, or even digital screens.
What are the symptoms of photophobia?
The symptoms of photophobia and their intensity vary from person to person based on the underlying cause. However, many people report the following symptoms when confronted with bright light:
- Eye discomfort or pain
- Squinting or closing the eyes
- Tearing up
- Headaches or migraines
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Nausea
- Attempting to avoid light altogether
In addition, some people may experience discomfort in certain types of light, such as flickering fluorescent bulbs or blue light produced by digital screens.
What other conditions is photophobia related to?
In many cases, photophobia is actually a symptom of another issue rather than a standalone diagnosis. It’s linked with a wide range of health conditions:
- Eye conditions, including dry eyes, corneal abrasions or ulcers, uveitis, cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, astigmatism, optic neuritis, papilledema, strabismus, and keratitis
- Neurological conditions, including migraines, meningitis, encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, concussion, blepharospasm, and autism spectrum disorder
- Systemic or infectious illnesses, including Lyme disease, influenza, and measles
- Allergies
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety and depression
Photophobia can be a side effect of certain medications, including antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines, and mental health medications. In addition, it may be associated with eye surgeries, including cataract surgery and LASIK surgery.
Are there any other causes of photophobia?
Yes. While photophobia is commonly linked to other health conditions, it can also be caused by certain lifestyle triggers. For example, prolonged screen time and digital eye strain can lead to photophobia. Irritation from a contact lens could also cause it. In addition, an incredibly common issue, lack of sleep, may lead to photophobia.
Considering the many potential causes, it’s important to get a professional evaluation to determine the root cause of your photophobia.
What treatments are available for photophobia?
If you want to treat photophobia effectively, you need to identify the cause. Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional so they can evaluate your eye health and provide expert advice. Some of the most common treatments and recommendations include the following:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Light-responsive lenses
- FL-41 tinted lenses
- Lubricating eye drops
- Prescription eye drops for inflammation
- Medication (if it’s tied to a medical issue)
- Regular screen breaks and eye rests
- Stress management techniques
- Soft, indirect lighting in your home and office
- Dimmers and smart lighting systems
- Screen brightness adjustments
- Wide-brimmed hats
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Photophobia can be frustrating and sometimes even debilitating, but if you consult an eye care professional, you may be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and find some effective coping strategies.
If you live in southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has assisted the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location).