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Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, can be caused by eye conditions such as uveitis, glaucoma, and keratitis, as well as neurological abnormalities like migraines. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, with options including steroids, antibiotics, and avoiding triggers.
Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is an abnormal response to light in which the sufferer experiences an aversion to light accompanied by eye pain. A number of eye conditions can produce sensitivity to light, particularly uveitis, glaucoma and keratitis. A variety of medications can also cause patients to experience sensitivity to light. Photophobia can also occur as a result of several neurological abnormalities, including migraine and meningitis. Treatment for light sensitivity depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
Uveitis is one of the most common causes of light sensitivity. Resulting from inflammation of the lining of the eye’s blood vessels, uveitis is characterized by redness, eye pain, headaches, and pronounced sensitivity to light. Uveitis can be the result of trauma, surgery, or an underlying systemic disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Doctors who see patients with anterior uveitis, also known as iritis, and posterior uveitis regularly do blood tests, chest X-rays, and other tests to determine whether a patient with uveitis has associated disease. In addition to treating any related diseases, doctors treat uveitis with topical, injected, and oral steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and dark glasses.
Keratitis is an infection of the cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye. When the cornea is infected or traumatized, the patient often experiences a sensitivity to light. Bacteria and viruses, including the herpes simplex virus, can cause ulcers on the cornea. Patients treat keratitis using antibiotic or antiviral drops directed at the infectious agent causing the problem. Scratches or burns of the cornea and excessive use of contact lenses can also lead to sensitivity to light.
Several drugs increase the eye’s response to light by dilating the pupil, which allows too much light to enter the eye. Amphetamines, crystal meth, and cocaine cause the pupil to expand after use. Pharmacological drops used in an ophthalmologist’s office for pupil dilation include mydriacil, cyclopentolate, atropine, and phenylephrine. Scopolamine patches, used to prevent motion sickness and motion sickness, will also produce sensitivity to light through excessive pupil dilation. Chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, birth control pills, and some acne medications can also increase the body’s response to light.
Migraines are periods of abnormal brain activity due to reduced blood flow to a region of the brain secondary to spastic closure of the blood vessel. Migraine sufferers often complain of a throbbing headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity to sound, and sensitivity to light. Many migraine patients also report visual disturbances that precede the onset of the headache. Common triggers for migraines include hormonal fluctuations, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, and exposure to bright lights. Migraine treatments include avoidance of known triggers, beta blockers, antidepressants, triptans, and botox injections.
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