Photophobia is not a fear of light, as the name might suggest, but rather it is an intolerance or sensitivity to light that can lead to extreme pain and discomfort. Sources of light such as fluorescent light, sunlight, and incandescent light can all be responsible for causing discomfort, and headaches are frequently associated with light sensitivity.
One important fact to keep in mind is that photophobia is not a form of eye disease. Instead, it is a symptom of some other condition such as inflammation or infection, which can irritate the eyes. Light sensitivity can also be a symptom of underlying diseases that wouldn’t directly impact the eyes, such as a disease caused by a virus.
Causes of Photophobia
While there are many different factors and causes that can be associated with photophobia, it is most commonly a symptom of another disease or condition, such as dry eye syndrome. Photophobia can happen to people of both sexes and all ages, and it can either be temporary or constant. Some research has suggested that people with lighter eye colors may be prone to experiencing more instances of light sensitivity in certain environments with a significant amount of sunlight. This is because people with darker colored eyes have more pigment available to protect them against harsh lighting.
Other common causes of photophobia may include issues such as uveitis, central nervous system disorders such as meningitis, and corneal abrasion. Light sensitivity can also be associated with irritations that occur as a result of poor contact lens application, refractive surgery, sunburn, or detached retinas. Photophobia is also frequently experienced by people who have albinism (a lack of eye pigment), complete color deficiency – wherein patients can only see shades of grey, rabies, botulism, mercury poisoning, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and iritis.
In some circumstances, photophobia occurs as a result of abnormalities located towards the front of the eye. This happens because the cornea and tear ducts have not worked together properly 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 w