Is There any Relationship Between Photophobia and Migraines?
Migraine and Photophobia are commonly associated.
They do not, however, always occur together.
A person can have Photophobia without migraine and vice versa.
Migraine is the most common cause of Photophobia.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, 85 to 90% of people with migraine have Photophobia.
Photophobia, also known as light sensitivity, is so common for people with migraine that it is used as a diagnostic criterion for migraine.
Doctors have described Photophobia as a symptom of migraine.
Continue reading the article to understand more about the relationship between migraine and photophobia.
But people with photophobia are not afraid of light but are hypersensitive and face discomfort in bright light (sunlight, fluorescent lights, TV, or computer screens).
This sensitivity to light at levels most people would not find annoying makes it abnormal.
What causes migraine and photophobia
A problem in the connection between light-detecting cells in your eyes and a nerve in your head causes photophobia.
Those with Photophobia are especially sensitive to bright lights, changes in lighting, and flickering lights.
Although the specific brain region that produces light sensitivity is unknown, new studies have advanced the knowledge of this condition.
The Retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eye, transports light through the visual pathways to the brain.
Retinal cells convert light into vision while reading letters or viewing images.
These retinal cells detect light and convert it into electrical signals that the brain can decode/interpret.
A second system, the melanopsin system, is dedicated to sensing light.
The melanopsin system and the retina’s light-sensing cells may contribute to the perception of brightness, which can be problematic for photophobic people.
The trigeminal nerve, which controls pain in the face and neck and plays a significant role in migraines, connects to these cells, as we now know.
A further benefit of the melanopsin system is that it explains why Photophobia can exist in people who are blind.
How to get rid of migraine Photophobia
There are no specific treatments for photophobia, although finding a way to ease the symptoms of your migraine may help you become less sensitive to light.
Because Photophobia is a migraine symptom, medications like Acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and Triptans used to treat migraine can also help lessen it.
According to American Family Physician, behavioral changes can also be beneficial.
You can also use the following tips to decrease the symptoms of Photophobia
- Wearing blue light filter glasses
- Controlling your screen time, especially when it triggers the symptoms
- Behavioral triggers that can result in a migraine headache should be avoided
- Food that can trigger migraines should be avoided
- When outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses to block the sun
- Consult your optometrist about wearing FL-41 (red-tinted) spectacles, which have been shown in some cases to reduce light sensitivity
- Keep your vaccines updated to lower your risk of bacterial meningitis and Encephalitis
Takeaway
Photophobia is the most common symptom of migraines.
It happens due to a fault in the light-detecting cells in the eyes and the nerves in the head.
There is no cure for Photophobia migraine, but understanding the underlying cause and treating it can help the symptoms of Photophobia.
You can follow some tips like wearing blue light filter glasses and decreasing screen time to prevent photophobia migraine.
Always consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do light sensitivity cause migraines?
Yes. Light sensitivity or photophobia is one of the most common symptoms of migraines and might also be a triggering cause. It happens due to a problem in the light-sensing cells and nerves in the head.
Can migraines cause sensitivity to light?
Yes, migraines can cause sensitivity to light. Photophobia is one of the major symptoms of migraine, and up to 85 to 90% of people that suffer from migraines also suffer from light sensitivity or photophobia.
Do all migraines have light sensitivity?
Almost 85% to 90% of people suffering migraines also suffer from photophobia. Those who only get occasional migraines are less likely to be light-sensitive than those who experience them frequently.
How serious is a migraine aura that is just sensitive to light?
A Migraine aura also called a classic migraine, is painful and uncomfortable but not very dangerous. Treatments are the same as migration without aura and can be improved with medication and self-care.
What are the symptoms of migraine Photophobia?
The symptoms of migraine Photophobia may include extreme sensitivity to bright light like television screens, sunlight, headache, and ocular or periocular pain. Photophobia is one of the most common symptoms of migraine.
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