Opening your eyes on a sunny day can sometimes feel like staring straight into a spotlight. Light sensitivity can cause discomfort and eye pain when bright light shines on the eyes. But what causes it?
Three main reasons for light sensitivity include:
- Eye conditions
- Medication side effects
- Underlying health issues
Wearing sunglasses helps you protect your eyes from direct sunlight. However, with a proper diagnosis and an eye exam to determine the underlying cause, you can receive the appropriate treatment to manage light sensitivity.
What Is Light Sensitivity?
Light sensitivity or photophobia isn’t a condition on its own—it’s more like a symptom that causes your eyes to overreact to light. For some people, mild light sensitivity can cause squinting when exposed to bright light. For others, stepping into bright sunlight or sitting under fluorescent lights for extended periods can be intensely uncomfortable.
The impact of light sensitivity varies. While some people feel mild irritation, others may experience headaches, difficulty keeping their eyes open, or even eye pain.
3 Reasons for Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity can result from a variety of causes. Some are related to external factors, while others might reflect what’s happening inside your body.
1: Eye Conditions
Certain eye issues increase sensitivity to light. Conditions like dry eye, corneal abrasions (a scratch on the surface of your eye), or inflammation from an eye infection can make even moderate light feel overwhelming. Migraines and eye inflammation, such as uveitis, are also known culprits.
2: Medication Side Effects
Some medications list photosensitivity as a side effect. If you’ve started a new prescription and suddenly find regular light painful, you may want to check your medication label. Antibiotics, antihistamines, or acne treatments can cause light sensitivity.
3: Underlying Health Issues
Underlying health problems can also manifest as photophobia, such as severe headaches or migraines. Neurological conditions, including concussions or meningitis, may cause heightened light sensitivity. It can even come from systemic illnesses.
Are Some People More Sensitive to Light Than Others?
Not everyone struggles equally with bright light. For some, the issue may lie in genetic makeup. People with lighter eye color, such as blue, tend to have less pigmentation or melanin in their eyes, providing less natural protection against sunlight.
Hormonal factors or a history of frequent migraines can also affect how your eyes respond to light. Additionally, individuals with conditions like albinism or defects in the iris (the colored part of your eye) may find normal light levels unbearable.
Management & Treatment for Light Sensitivity
A few small changes can help you manage photophobia and make a difference in how comfortable your eyes feel:
- Avoid long hours in the sun: Avoid prolonged exposure to bright sunlight if possible.
- Wear sunglasses: Invest in polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Polarized lenses help block glare, making outdoor experiences more manageable.
- Photochromatic lenses: These lenses darken automatically when exposed to bright light.
- Adjust screen brightness: Lower the brightness on your computer, phone, and TV screens. Consider using a blue-light filter if you spend hours in front of digital devices.
- Try a hat or visor: A wide-brimmed hat or visor can shield your eyes from direct sunlight.
- Optimize indoor lighting: Use softer, adjustable lighting inside your home or workspace. Avoid flickering fluorescents or opt for warmer bulbs instead.
These adjustments can significantly help reduce discomfort and improve your daily quality of life.
Treatment for light sensitivity is based on the underlying cause and can include:
- Replace, discontinue use, or lower the dose of medications that have light sensitivity side effects.
- Maintain good hand and eye hygiene habits, such as washing hands before touching your eyes and not sharing makeup to avoid eye infections.
- Treat dry eyes with artificial tears, prescription medication, or other therapies.
- Avoid migraine triggers and speak to your healthcare provider about managing migraines.
- Management of underlying health conditions.
When to Seek Professional Help
While occasional light sensitivity is normal, consistent or severe photophobia with other vision symptoms may require professional attention. Pay close attention to these symptoms:
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Sudden changes in your eyesight
- Any redness, swelling, or discharge in your eyes
- Sensitivity accompanied by headaches or dizziness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can detect the underlying cause early to help prevent further complications and maintain healthy vision.
Relief from Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity can feel isolating, but many people experience this symptom to some degree. Getting to the bottom of what’s causing it means you can treat and manage this symptom. Also, simple strategies—like shielding your eyes and adjusting your environment—can greatly reduce your discomfort and eye pain.
And if your symptoms feel unmanageable, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Rancho Santa Margarita Optometry. Our eye doctors can help get to the root cause and create a tailored solution for relief from light sensitivity.
