Are You Sensitive to Light?

    Being sensitive to light is also know as Photophobia. The main symptom of  Light Sensitivity is discomfort to bright lights and if you really need to squint or close your eyes to avoid the lights. You may also develop headaches with photophobia too!

Have you ever wondered why you have eyes that are sensitive to bright lights? Well, people with light colored eyes and people who get migraines and people with cataracts are more likely to notice that their eyes are more sensitive to bright lights and glare. Photophobia is a symptom of another underlying problem, such as a corneal abrasion, uveitis, or a central nervous system disorder such as meningitis. Light sensitivity may also be associated with retinal detachment, contact lens irritations, sunburn and refractive surgery.

Photophobia often accompanies albinism, total color deficiency (seeing in shades of gray), botulism, rabies, mercury poisoning, conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis. Certain rare diseases, such as the genetic disorder keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD), are reported to cause photophobia. And some medications may cause light sensitivity as a side effect, including belladonna, furosemide, quinine, tetracycline and doxycycline.

Want to get some sort of relief?  The best treatment for light sensitivity is to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, once the triggering factor is treated, photophobia disappears. If you are taking a medication that causes light sensitivity, talk to the prescribing physician about discontinuing it or replacing it with another drug.If you’re sensitive to light, avoid bright sunlight and other bright lights. Wear hats and sunglasses with UV protection.In an extreme case, you may consider wearing contact lenses that are specially colored to look like your own eyes. Prosthetic contact lenses can reduce the amount of light that enters the eye, so your eyes are more comfortable.