Photophobia, often misconstrued as the “fear of light,” is not a phobia in the traditional sense. 

Instead, it represents an intense sensitivity and aversion to light stemming from underlying medical conditions or medications impacting the eyes and nervous system. 

It’s important to note that Photophobia can manifest in one eye, particularly in cases of eye trauma, rather than affecting both.

Individuals grappling with Photophobia often squint, experiencing excessive tearing and perceiving ambient light as uncomfortably intense. 

In severe instances, it may even lead to eye pain

While Photophobia symptoms are typically exacerbated in bright sunlight, some individuals may encounter discomfort even in moderately lit environments.

Continue reading to learn more about Photophobia treatment and prevention.

Fact:
One of the most effective tools to combat Photophobia is wearing eyeglasses. Especially those which are FL-41 tinted.

Treatment for Photophobia

Properly diagnosing the cause of Photophobia (light sensitivity) is very important.

Because the conditions which cause Photophobia are treated differently.

If the cause is an underlying disease, treating that condition will help you get relief.

After treating underlying causes, you may get relief from light sensitivity.

There are several things you can do to treat the Photophobia symptoms:

Wearing sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect you from bright light coming from the sun. 

They can also protect you from any dust or irritant to enter your eye and cause more irritation.

Exposure to light

Decreasing going out in the sun for more extended periods would be best.

Dimming the lights in your living room can also help you relieve from bright light.

Artificial tears

Artificial Tears
Artificial Tears

Dry eyes can also lead to Photophobia, especially if diagnosed with dry eye syndrome.

Without proper moisture, eyes can lead to itchiness, redness, and light sensitivity.

Artificial tears like Eyemist E/D 10ml can help relieve dry eyes.

Antibiotics

If you have light sensitivity due to corneal abrasion or any other bacterial infection, you can treat it using some antibiotics.

Antibiotic works by killing and preventing bacteria from spreading.

Your doctor may recommend Azithral eyedrops 0.1% 3ml as an antibiotic.

Prostaglandins

It is a situation where the light sensitivity is due to increased intraocular pressure inside the eye.

In that case, your doctor may recommend you Actavis Bimatoprost 300 mcg for the photophobia treatment.

Warning
Consult your doctor if you have severe light sensitivity. Taking over-the-counter medicines without a doctor’s prescription may worsen your condition.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies for light sensitivity (Photophobia) might help in preventing it.

Some of the remedies that you can try are:

Boosting macular pigment

Nutritional supplements having lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect against Photophobia.

These supplements are found in various plant foods such as green leafy vegetables.

Orange and yellow fruits, vegetables, and eggs can boost macular pigment.

Manage migraines

Migraines cause Photophobia, a common neurological disorder with light sensitivity.

You can try some natural remedies to control migraine to prevent Photophobia.

Those remedies include cold compress, lavender oil and eating nuts and oils.

Wear sunglasses

Photophobia Treatment
Wear sunglasses

Wearing polarized sunglasses while going outside can act as a natural remedy.

You can also wear specific sunglasses blocking the harmful wavelength causing pain. 

This can provide relief as well as prevention from light sensitivity.

Diagnosis

An eye specialist diagnoses Photophobia (Light sensitivity).

They may ask you about your medical history or do some physical eye checkups.

Also, the doctor may recommend some specialized diagnostic tests.

These tests include the following:

Ocular Tonometry

This test measures the fluid pressure inside your eye. It is often used to detect glaucoma.

You may experience pressure or warm air puff while the device measures pressure.

It is not a painful test, but you may still receive eye-numbing drops to relax you.

Blood tests

Blood Tests
Blood Tests

Your doctor may recommend you have a blood test to identify infections or hormonal changes.

These tests can help your doctor to identify the underlying condition causing Photophobia.

Fluorescein Angiography

In this test, a dye is injected into the blood vessels ( generally in the arm). 

This dye makes blood vessels more visible in the eye. 

Your doctor will take pictures and detect any leakage or other blood vessel problems.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

It is used to identify conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.

It is a painless test that produces a retina picture using lightwave technology.

You might need some pupil dilation drops to get better retina images.

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

If there are concerns like inflammation, pressure, or any infection around your brain. 

Then, your doctor may recommend you have a brain MRI.

Prevention

You may sometimes be unable to prevent Photophobia (light sensitivity).

But specific behavioral changes can help in avoiding Photophobia which is as follows:

  • Try to avoid the triggers which cause Migraine attacks.
  • Keep your eye hygiene good. Not touching your eyes and sharing eye makeup to prevent conjunctivitis.
  • You can avoid contact with people having meningitis. This can reduce the risk of developing it.
    Washing your hands often and vaccinating against bacterial meningitis can also help.
    It can also help in preventing Encephalitis.
  • Having vaccination against encephalitis and avoiding mosquitoes and ticks can also help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Photophobia (light sensitivity) may be treated, but you must consult your doctor first.

They can diagnose and tell you the exact cause of light sensitivity.

Treating the underlying disease and conditions can also help to treat Photophobia.

You can try remedies like wearing dark sunglasses or avoiding fluorescent light.

Installing dimmers to control lighting in the house can also provide relief from light sensitivity.

You can consult your doctor if you have severe light sensitivity. They may tell you about proper treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to cure Photophobia?

The treatment for Photophobia depends on its underlying cause. Addressing the root issue, such as eye conditions, infections, or medication side effects, is crucial. Managing symptoms with sunglasses, reduced lighting, and prescription eyewear may relieve symptoms. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for tailored treatment.

What vitamins help Photophobia?

Nutritional supplements like lutein and zeaxanthin may help in preventing Photophobia. These supplements are found in leafy vegetables, orange and yellow-colored fruits, and vegetables.

Can Photophobia damage your eyes?

Severe cases of Photophobia may occur with some eye problems. It can lead to eye pain even in low light conditions.

Is Photophobia permanent?

Photophobia’s duration varies, contingent upon the underlying health condition responsible for it. Whether temporary or permanent, its persistence relies entirely on the specific medical issue that triggers it.

Citations:
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