What is Photophobia?

PHOTOPHOBIA

What is Photophobia?

Photophobia means “fear of light.”

Light sensitivity or’ photophobia’ is expected in people diagnosed with eye problems or sight loss, and it can go away easily for many people. Sensitivity to light is when the amount of light is too bright in the environment and creates discomfort.

Photophobia is not a disorder—it is a sign of another problem. Light sensitivity is usually associated with migraine headaches, dry eyes, and swelling inside the eye.

What Causes Photophobia?

Photophobia can be caused by a few brain disorders, including:

  • Meningitis (swelling of the protective coverings of your brain and spinal cord)
  • Severe Damage to the brain
  • Palsy supranuclear (a brain disorder that causes problems with balance, walking, and eye movement)
  • Your pituitary gland’s tumors.

What deficiencies cause light sensitivity?

This symptom triggers many eye disorders, including:

  • Dry Eye
  • Uveitis (swelling of the inside of your eye)
  • Keratitis (swelling of your cornea, the transparent layer that covers the colored part of your eye)
  • Iritis (node of the colored ring around your pupil)
  • Cataracts (cloudy coverings over the lenses of your eyes)
  • Abrasion of the corneal (a scratch on your cornea)
  • Conjunctivitis Injuries (inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that sits over the white part of your eye)
  • Harm to your retina, the membrane in the back of your eye that is light-sensitive
  •  Blepharospasm (a condition that makes your eyelids close uncontrollably)
  • After you have LASIK or other surgery to correct vision issues, you can also get Photophobia.

Is there a cure for Photophobia?

It may be bothersome and inconvenient to live with mild sensitivity. The first and most vital step will be to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. You will feel much better if your doctor can identify and address the underlying motive. If a cause for photophobia can’t be identified, your doctor can help you deal with the sensitivity and locate pain relief.

Tests that your doctor may use include:

  • Slit-lamp eye review. To test the pupils, they’ll use a special microscope with light.
  • MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. It uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce accurate pictures of your eyes.
  • The Tear Film Test. This tests the number of tears you make to see if your eyes are dry.

How can I reduce my light sensitivity?

  • Tinted glasses could help if you’re still affected by them.
  • The easiest way to minimize Photophobia is to cure the disorder or avoid taking the medication that triggers it.
  • If you are experiencing extreme Photophobia, speak to your doctor or get further advice to reduce your symptoms.