Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, tends to become more common with age. Adults over 50 are more likely to experience discomfort from bright light, and in one study, 25% of respondents said it greatly affected their quality of life.
If you’ve noticed increasing sensitivity to light, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
What Causes Light Sensitivity?
Photophobia can have many underlying causes. While it's normal for bright sunlight to feel intense, it shouldn’t cause pain or extreme discomfort. When it does, an underlying condition may be to blame.
Eye-related causes include cataracts, corneal damage (often due to disease or injury), glaucoma, eye abrasions, and inflammation in the eye such as uveitis or irritation of the eyelids or cornea.
Photophobia can also be triggered by neurological conditions, such as migraines, traumatic brain injury (TBI), meningitis, and complex regional pain syndrome. Psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or panic disorder may contribute in some cases as well. And certain medications, including barbiturates or chloroquine, have been linked to increased light sensitivity.
Some chronic medical conditions may also raise your risk, including albinism, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of Photophobia
People experience light sensitivity in different ways. For some, it's a mild inconvenience. For others, it causes significant discomfort or even pain. Common symptoms include frequent blinking or squinting, an urge to dim the lights, and avoidance of bright environments, such as staying indoors during the day or shielding your eyes with your hand when outside.
Photophobia can also lead to difficulty focusing, fatigue, dizziness, headaches or migraines, eye dryness or tearing, and visual effects like bright color spots even after stepping out of the light.
How Is Light Sensitivity Diagnosed and Treated?
Your eye doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a detailed eye exam. Ruling out other eye conditions is a key part of this process.
If your photophobia is caused by an underlying condition, treatment will focus on addressing that root cause. For example, medications may be prescribed to manage migraines, or you may need to adjust or discontinue a medication that’s contributing to your symptoms.
Does Light Sensitivity Mean Something Serious?
Not always. Light sensitivity alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem, but if your symptoms worsen or interfere with your daily life, it’s important to get evaluated. A comprehensive eye exam can rule out more serious conditions, such as conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions or ulcers, glaucoma, and uveitis.
If you’re experiencing ongoing light sensitivity, contact North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care today at 352-373-4300 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.