Photophobia

What is Photophobia?

Photophobia is a condition where the eye is unusually sensitive to light, and is often a symptom of associated disorders or disease (e.g., corneal inflammation, aphakia, iritis, or ocular albinism).

Causes of Photophobia

Photophobia is usually caused by the iris being unable to reduce enough of the light entering the eye.

Photophobia can be a symptom of an underlying problem, such as a corneal abrasion, uveitis, meningitis.

Photophobia can be caused by some drugs which cause the pupil to dilate, for example amphetamines and antihistamines, cannabis and cocaine, atropine, scopolamine, mydriotics and cycloplegics* and strychnine).

Diagnosis of Photophobia

The main symptom of photophobia is sensitivity to and discomfort from bright light. Headaches can often accompany photophobia.

Treatments for Photophobia

Inorder to resolve the light sensitivity or photophobia in the patient, the underlying cause needs to be treated.

Patients taking medication cauing light sensitivity may need to consider changing their medication.

Patients with sensitivity to light will need to avoid bright light and may choose to wear sun glasses.