Photophobia (sensitivity to light) is a condition where bright light causes eye pain or irritation, and it may be associated with underlying neurological or ocular disorders.
In mild cases, patients squint in bright indoor lighting or when outside. In severe cases, patients experience significant pain when their eyes are exposed to most types of light.
Causes
Migraine
Sensitivity to light is a common symptom of migraine headaches. Patients may experience intense head pain triggered by various factors, including hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and environmental shifts. Other symptoms can include sharp pain on one side of the head, nausea, and vomiting.
According to the American Stroke and Neurological Disorders Institute, about 10% of the global population suffers from migraines, which occur more frequently in women than in men.
Sensitivity to light is a common symptom of migraine headaches
Conditions Affecting the Brain
Sensitivity to light is also often related to several serious brain conditions such as:
- Encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain caused by viral infection or other factors. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
- Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This type of infection can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, and even death.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding between the brain and the surrounding tissues. This condition can be fatal or lead to brain damage or stroke.
Conditions Affecting the Eyes
- Corneal abrasion is an injury to the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye. This type of injury is quite common and can occur if sand, dirt, metal particles, or other substances come into contact with the eye. Abrasions can lead to a serious condition known as corneal ulcers if the cornea becomes infected.
- Scleritis occurs when the white part of the eye becomes inflamed. About half of the cases are due to diseases affecting the immune system, such as lupus. Other symptoms include eye pain, tearing, and blurred vision.
- Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” occurs when the tissue covering the white part of the eye becomes infected or inflamed. This condition is primarily caused by viruses but can also be due to bacteria and allergies. Other symptoms include itching, redness, and eye pain.
- Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, leading to excessive dryness of the eyes. Causes include aging, environmental factors, certain medical conditions, and some medications.
Treatment
Patients should avoid direct sunlight and keep indoor lighting at a moderate level. Closing the eyes or wearing dark sunglasses can also help alleviate eye pain.
Consult a doctor if you are experiencing severe light sensitivity. Treatment methods depend on the underlying cause, such as medication and rest for migraines, anti-inflammatory eye drops for scleritis, and antibiotics for conjunctivitis. Doctors may prescribe artificial tears for mild dry eye syndrome, antibiotic eye drops for corneal abrasions, anti-inflammatory medications, bed rest, and fluids for mild encephalitis cases. Severe cases may require supportive care, such as respiratory support.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage may necessitate surgery to remove excess blood and relieve pressure on the brain.
Some conditions causing photophobia are considered medical emergencies. If a patient experiences eye pain when exposed to bright light along with the following symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately: blurred vision
pain or burning in the eyes, severe headache, fever, chills, difficulty waking, confusion, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, altered consciousness, and paralysis in certain body parts.
Prevention
Certain measures can help prevent conditions that may cause light sensitivity, including:
- Avoiding migraine triggers.
- Preventing conjunctivitis by practicing good hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes, and not sharing eye makeup.
- Reducing the risk of meningitis by avoiding contact with infected individuals, washing hands regularly, and getting vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.
- Getting vaccinated against encephalitis.
