erly in order to create a lubricated and smooth surface that can be used to properly focus light. There are a wide range of nerve endings and pain receptors in the cornea, which means that irregularities in this area generally cause significant pain, dry eyes, and overflow of watery eyes.
The Symptoms that Accompany Photophobia
There are numerous symptoms that can be associated with a condition of photophobia. Some of the most common are:
• An overwhelming need to close the eyes or squint
• Severe pain or discomfort
• An itching or burning sensation
• Excessively watery or dry eyes
In many cases, the only symptom present may be the actual light sensitivity itself. While some patients report that light sensitivity can appear suddenly and without warning, others find that their sensitivity persists over a long period of time. As with many conditions, each individual who suffers from photophobia may have a unique experience, and notice different symptoms in different severities.
Often, the nature of the symptoms, and how excessive they are could depend on the underlying cause behind the issue of light sensitivity. Some people suffer from a variety of other symptoms that connect with their experience of light sensitivity, depending on the disease or condition that causes the light sensitivity.
Photophobia and Dry Eye Syndrome
Sensitivity to light and dry eyes are often interconnected. The reason for this is that photophobia generally occurs when a dry ocular surface has a number of irregularities that scatter the light entering the eye, causing discomfort. Many of the symptoms associated with light sensitivity and dry eye syndrome are also connected, as people suffering from dry eyes generally experience:
• red or discolored eyes
• eyelids that stick together
• feelings of soreness and pain that get gradually worse
• blurred or impaired vision
Some people will also experience periods in which their eyes begin to water uncontrollably – a symptom that is also common in individuals with light sensitivity. This happens when the eye attempts to reduce the irritation present by producing a higher volume of tears. Most commonly, someone who is suffering from dry eye syndrome and also has a sensitivity to light could be experiencing a particularly severe condition, or even a complication of dry eye, such as scarring within the cornea. As such, it is important to see a medical professional if you ever experience a combination of dry eye and light sensitivity symptoms, as the results can become permanent if not treated immediately.
At this time, no one is completely sure which area of the brain causes and controls issues of light sensitivity. However, recently conducted studies indicate that problems with the retina could be significant in causing issues associated with photophobia. Dry eye is a condition that often complicates chronic photophobia, which is one of the reasons why a visit to the ophthalmologis is frequently recommended.
Why Does Photophobia Happen?
There are a number of valid and important reasons why a person might suffer from sudden or continuous light sensitivity. For example, an inflammation or infection that irritates the eye can lead to light sensitivity, and in some cases, photophobia is a symptom of an underlying disease such as a viral illness, or a migraine.
When the cornea is stressed or compromised for any reason, it will naturally begin to inflame, leading to sensations of tenderness and pain. During this response, fluids can build up in the cornea which cause light to scatter abnormally, leading to issues of extreme photophobia. Usually, light sensitivity which is caused by inflammation or infections will subside as soon as the underlying issue has been successfully treated.
Another risk factor for photophobia is that some people are born with larger-than-usual pupils. The pupils are at the center of each eye, and are responsible for managing the amount of light that enters at any given time. If you have larger pupils, then you will naturally let more light into the eye, which can lead to photophobia and 