Photophobia

Photophobia is a sensitivity to light that some individuals experience. The symptoms and causation of photophobia vary from person to person. Photophobia can range from someone who is bothered slightly by bright lights, to a person who cannot go outside because of the light.

There are many variations of severity with photophobia but all kinds are centered on vision related sensitivity to light. All types of lights are involved with photophobia and include sunlight, fluorescent light, lamps, televisions or movie screens, or even flashes from cameras.

The primary symptom of photophobia is a severe and obvious discomfort while in bright lights. The discomfort is usually accompanied by a need to close the eyes. Sometimes a severe headache may accompany photophobia. A link has also been found between migraines and photophobia as well.

The cause of photophobia usually varies as well. Some people are affected who have lightly colored eyes or who have frequent headaches. Other people have photophobia due to another medical condition not associated with the eyes. Photophobia has been seen in persons who develop meningitis or other central nervous system disorder. The photophobia may be associated with medication taken as well. Linked medicines include quinine, tetracycline, doxycycline, belladonna, and furosemide.

Often, mild cases of photophobia are the result of a problem not associated with any other medical problem. People with slight photosensitivity can reduce their direct exposure to light by wearing sunglasses, or taking care when outdoors.

Serious cases of photophobia may be related to underlying medical conditions or some other problem in the body. All cases of sudden photophobia should be quickly followed by a trip to an experienced eye doctor for a full examination and complete diagnosis. Medical attention is especially needed with severe photophobia, when a person requires sunglasses indoors for example, or if the sensitivity does not go away over time.

When you visit your eye doctor they will give you a complete photophobia related examination and inquire about your medical past history. Sometimes factors exist which can compound photosensitivity that the patient is not aware of. It is important that both the patient and the doctor ask as many questions as possible.

Other symptoms that accompany photophobia may be signs of another serious problem. The patient should notify their doctors of accompanying signs such as pain, headache, nausea, vision related issues, hearing loss, or any other medically related problems that they are experiencing.