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Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is characterized by an abnormal intolerance to light, which can cause discomfort, pain, and visual disturbances.
While Photophobia can be a symptom of an underlying condition, it can also occur as an isolated sensitivity to light.
In this article, we will delve into Photophobia’s causes, symptoms, and management, shedding light on this intriguing yet debilitating condition.
Symptoms of Photophobia
Facing Photophobia can alter your lifestyle as you cannot go into bright light and want to stay in dark places.
Some of the symptoms of Photophobia are as follows:
- Eye Discomfort: Individuals may experience eye strain, burning sensation, or aching around the eyes
- Excessive Tearing: Photophobia can cause excessive tearing or watering of the eyes
- Headaches: Frequent exposure to bright light can trigger headaches or worsen existing ones
- Blurred Vision: Some people may experience blurry vision or difficulty focusing in brightly lit environments
- Avoidance of Light: Those with Photophobia often avoid well-lit areas and prefer dimly lit spaces
These symptoms can be recurrent or experienced by anyone at any age.
Symptoms of Photophobia can also occur due to some medical conditions.
Understanding the causes of Photophobia is very important for proper management.
Causes of Photophobia
Source: fizkes from Getty ImagesPhotophobia, or sensitivity to bright light, can be caused by various factors related to the eyes and other body parts.
Some eye conditions, like dilated pupils or light-colored eyes, let in too much light, making it uncomfortable.
Similarly, certain non-eye-related conditions can also contribute to the body’s increased sensitivity to light and pain.
Some of the causes of Photophobia are as follows:
Migraine
Migraine with photophobia causes intense headaches worsened by light sensitivity.
Photophobia is a common symptom of migraines.
Hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, or the surroundings can trigger migraines.
Along with throbbing pain in one part of the head, people with migraines may feel nauseous and vomit.
More than 10% of the world’s population is affected by migraines.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
It is usually caused by an infection, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal.
An early warning sign of meningitis is photophobia or avoiding bright lights.
A study found that about 80% of children with bacterial meningitis experienced Photophobia.
Encephalitis
Encephalitis happens when the brain gets inflamed due to a viral infection or other reasons.
It may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain due to a previous infection.
Most people with mild Encephalitis fully recover, but it can be very serious and even fatal.
In a study from 2020, it was found that almost 10 percent of hospitalized patients with Encephalitis died.
One of the symptoms of this brain condition is Photophobia.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is when there is bleeding between the brain and the surrounding membrane.
You may face symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (Photophobia) usually with a headache.
Pituitary tumors
A pituitary tumor is a growth that happens in the pituitary gland.
Though not common, there have been reports of increased sensitivity to light when the tumor presses on specific areas in the brain called chiasm lesions
Corneal abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a type of injury to the outermost layer of the eye, called the cornea.
This can happen if you get sand, dirt, metal particles, or other things in your eyes.
One of the symptoms of corneal abrasion is Photophobia.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye occurs when the tear glands are unable to generate an adequate amount of tears, or the tears they do produce are of bad quality.
This can lead to excessive dryness in your eyes. People with dry eyes often experience some level of Photophobia.
Glaucoma
Light sensitivity and glare are common symptoms of Glaucoma.
Sensitivity to the light can be caused due to the pressure buildup in the eyes.
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is when a person experiences uncontrolled blinking or twitching of the eyelids.
According to research from the University of Utah, people with Blepharospasm are as sensitive to light as those who suffer from migraines.
Diagnosis
Source: Elena SafonovaAn eye specialist diagnoses Photophobia.
They may do physical eye checkups and ask about your medical history.
If the cause of light sensitivity is not diagnosed by physical examination, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
Ocular tonometry
This test checks the pressure inside your eye and is commonly used to detect Glaucoma.
During the test, you may feel a slight pressure or a warm puff of air on your eye.
It’s not painful, but to make you more comfortable, the doctor might use eye-numbing drops
Blood tests
Your doctor might suggest a blood test to find out the cause of Photophobia.
This test can identify infections or hormonal changes that might be responsible for the sensitivity to light
Fluorescein angiography
In this test, the doctor injects a dye into your arm to make the blood vessels in your eye more visible.
They will then take pictures of your eye to check for any leakage or other problems with the blood vessels
Brain MRI
If your doctor suspects inflammation, pressure, or an infection around your brain, they might suggest getting a brain MRI to get a better look and find out more
Regular eye checkups are necessary to ensure healthy eyes. Also read, The Eye Care Checklist: How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Treatment of Photophobia
Source: Doucefleur from Getty ImagesAfter proper diagnosis, Photophobia treatment is done depending on the cause of light sensitivity.
If the cause is an underlying disease, then treating it can help you get relief.
Following are the treatment methods that your doctor can prescribe if you have Photophobia:
Avoid exposure to light
It’s best to spend less time under the sun for long periods.
Dimming the lights in your living room can also help you reduce exposure to bright light.
Sunglasses shield the eyes from bright sunlight and keep out dust and irritants, which can cause discomfort.
Antibiotics
If corneal abrasion or any bacterial infection is the reason for sensitivity to light, you can treat it using some antibiotics.|
Antibiotics work by killing and preventing the bacteria from spreading.
Prostaglandins
Light sensitivity can also be caused due to the increased intraocular pressure inside th eye.
Your doctor may recommend Actavis Bimatoprost 300mcg for lowering the pressure and treating Photophobia.
Alongside medicinal treatments, you can also try natural remedies to relieve Photophobia after consulting your doctor.
Conclusion
Photophobia is a common condition causing light sensitivity in millions worldwide.
The symptoms may include headaches due to light sensitivity, eye discomfort, excessive tearing or blurred vision.
It can be a symptom of migraines, meningitis, and dry eye syndrome.
Diagnosis involves various physical eye exams; blood tests or brain MRIs are sometimes recommended.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, including avoiding bright light, wearing sunglasses, or using medications.
Try to prevent your eyes from direct light from the sun or a bulb; this may worsen your condition.
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized management and relief from Photophobia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photophobia a mental illness?
No, Photophobia is not a mental illness. It is a physical condition characterized by sensitivity to light, which can be caused by eye-related issues or medical conditions like migraines, meningitis, and corneal abrasions. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate and manage the underlying cause properly.
How long does Photophobia last?
The duration of Photophobia depends on its underlying cause. It can last for a short period, such as during a migraine attack, or persist for an extended period if related to chronic conditions like dry eye syndrome or certain neurological disorders. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.
Does Photophobia go away?
Yes, Photophobia can go away in many cases once the underlying cause is identified and treated. For example, if it is due to a temporary condition like a migraine or corneal abrasion, the sensitivity to light may subside after the condition is resolved. However, in chronic conditions, managing the symptoms is essential.
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