Sensitivity to Light

Sensitivity to light, called photophobia, is a relatively common problem that can range from mild to severe. It’s when light seems too bright and makes you squint, but it can also be irritating or cause pain in people who are sensitive to it.

Sensitivity to light can be caused simply by eye strain or dry eyes, or by issues like eye infections, eye injuries, or problems with the structure of the eye. People with a lighter eye color are more likely to have light sensitivity because darker-colored eyes contain more pigment to protect against harsh lighting.

It can also be a side effect of certain medications, or a symptom of allergies, hangover, or brain or nervous system disorders such as migraine. It can also occur as we age.

You can reduce light sensitivity by avoiding bright light, using eye drops, or wearing sunglasses indoors. But you should see your eye doctor to determine the underlying cause if these steps do not help your problem.

Some causes of this sensitivity may lead to further problems with your eyes or vision if they aren’t treated, while others are so serious that you need to go to the ER.

4. Blepharitis (inflamed eyelid)

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Itchy eyelids
• Dandruff-like flakes at the base of your eyelids
• Eyelashes that grow abnormally or fall out easily
• Feeling that something is in your eye

Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, is an irritation of the rim or margin of the eyelid. It can be caused by makeup, skin conditions such as psoriasis, or an infection of the skin at the base of the eyelashes (caused by bacteria or eyelash mites or lice).

Blepharitis can also be triggered by inflammation or clogs in the oil glands in your eyelids, which can be painful and irritate the eye.

Blepharitis should always be treated by your doctor. Without proper care, it can become chronic and lead to infections of the eyelids and cornea, dry eyes that can’t tolerate contact lenses, and scarring and deformity of the eyelids.

Treatment for most causes of blepharitis includes washing the eyelid and lashes regularly, using over-the-counter eye wipes, applying warm compresses, and not using any makeup or other products that might be worsening your symptoms.

If these don’t work, your doctor may recommend other treatments, such as prescription eye drops that contain antibiotics or oral antibiotics.

5. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling that something is in your eye
• A “gritty” feeling in your eye
• Red eyes
• Discharge from your eye that may be watery or filled with pus
• Eye pain

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the surface of your eyes. The conjunctiva is usually clear, but it can appear reddish-pink when it’s inflamed. This is why conjunctivitis is called “pink eye.”

Causes of conjunctivitis include viral or bacterial infections of the eyes, allergies, a foreign object in your eye, or a chemical that splashed in your eye. Conjunctivitis caused by a virus or bacteria can often spread from one person to another. This is particularly common in school-aged children.

Treatment may include prescription eye drops and applying cold or warm compresses to your eyes several times a day. Viral conjunctivitis goes away on its own, but some forms of bacterial conjunctivitis may need to be treated with antibiotics.

6. Keratitis (cornea infection)

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Eye redness
• Eye pain
• Feeling that something is in your eye
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty opening your eyes

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear layer on the front of your eye that covers your pupil and iris. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, an eye injury, a foreign body in your eye, and wearing your contact lenses for too long.

If an infection is suspected, your doctor may also take a swab sample to determine what type of infection you may have.

Treatment of keratitis may include antibiotics and other medications such as eye drops to help your symptoms and reduce inflammation. It’s important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan—which will include not wearing contacts for a period of time—because not doing so may increase the risk of permanent damage to your cornea, scarring, and vision loss.

7. Corneal abrasion

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Feeling that something is in your eye
• Redness
• Eye discharge

A corneal abrasion is a particularly painful, superficial scratch on your cornea. Most corneal abrasions are caused by an eye injury or a foreign body in your eye (like sand or dirt), but they can also develop if you have dry eye or are using your contact lenses incorrectly.

See your doctor if you think you have a corneal abrasion or have injured your eye. Left untreated, it can progress to a corneal ulcer and permanently damage your vision.

If a foreign object caused the abrasion, your doctor will remove it. Treatments may include moisturizing eye drops or ointment, antibiotic eye drops or ointments, and wearing an eyepatch temporarily. In some cases, surgery may be needed to smooth the surface of the cornea.

8. Scleritis

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Severe eye pain
• Eye inflammation
• Tearing
• Deep eye ache that may extend into your face and head

Scleritis is inflammation of the whites of your eye. It’s usually seen in people with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Left untreated, scleritis may lead to blindness.

Treatment may include corticosteroid pills, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen), eye solutions, antibiotics, prescription medication, and immunosuppressive drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to save your vision.

9. Torn retina or retinal detachment

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• “Floaters” appearing in your field of vision
• Narrowing field of vision
• Blurred vision

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina tears or detaches from the back of the eye. The retina contains light-sensitive cells that organize visual information and send it to your brain. You may not experience pain with retinal detachment, but you will be sensitive to light.

A retinal detachment is considered an emergency and should be treated immediately to prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience sudden loss of vision, you should go to the ER immediately. Surgery is usually necessary to repair a torn or detached retina. It may improve your vision, though some people never fully recover their vision.

10. Encephalitis or meningitis

Symptoms

• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound
• Fever
• Seizure
• Headache
• Confusion
• Neck stiffness
• Difficulty moving

Encephalitis and meningitis are inflammations of the brain. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue and meningitis is an inflammation of the surface coverings of the brain (meninges). Both can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other inflammatory conditions. In some instances, both encephalitis and meningitis occur at the same time.

Some cases are mild, with the only symptoms being a headache and light sensitivity. But more severe cases are serious and can be fatal. If you have a mild headache and light sensitivity, you should see your doctor.

Go to the ER if your symptoms are severe or occur with other symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or difficulty moving.

Diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis is made based on your symptoms, brain imaging tests, and other blood tests. Often, a lumbar puncture or spinal tap test is needed to examine the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord to look for infection or inflammation.

Treatment may include antiviral or antibiotic treatments and medications to manage symptoms, such as anticonvulsant medication.

Other possible causes

A number of other conditions can cause light sensitivity:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions
• Temporal arteritis
• Rabies
• Depression and other nervous system disorders or brain disorders