Why eyes sensitive to light

The Ultimate Guide to Photophobia. Exposure to sun and precipitation of migraine. Brief migraine episodes in children and adolescents-a modification to International Headache Society pediatric migraine without aura diagnostic criteria. Epub Mar 4. Precipitating and relieving factors of migraine versus tension type headache. BMC Neurol. Sun-induced migraine attacks in an Arctic population. Epub May Returning the student to school after concussion: what do clinicians need to know?

Dry eye: prevalence and attributable risk factors in a hospital-based population. Indian J Ophthalmol. Panic-agoraphobic spectrum and light sensitivity in a general population sample in Italy.

Can J Psychiatry. The assessment of light intensity preference in psychiatric patients: a questionnaire. Acta Psychiatr Scand. Photokeratitis induced by ultraviolet radiation in travelers: A major health problem.

J Postgrad Med. Epub Jun Circadian light sensitivity and rate of retinal dark adaptation in indoor and outdoor workers. J Biol Rhythms. You have a diagnosed light-sensitive condition Many medical or emotional conditions can trigger or lead to light sensitivity.

Migraine For both children and adults who have migraine or other headache disorders , sunlight is one of the biggest triggers and regularly worsens pain and other symptoms too. Because increased sensitivity to light is a symptom of many eye conditions, you should schedule an exam with your eye doctor as soon as you notice a marked increase in photophobia. Managing light sensitivity can be a matter of making lifestyle changes to protect your eyes from sunlight. One suggestion is to wait for a moment when transitioning from areas that have different levels of light.

This helps the eyes adjust to the change and could lessen discomfort. If your doctor has diagnosed photophobia due to dry eyes, try to keep eye drops on hand to minimize discomfort. However, if there are other underlying causes, such as cataracts or inflammation, your eye doctor may have other lifestyle recommendations. Addressing the underlying causes of eye sensitivity is the best way to treat the condition.

If you need a qualified eye doctor to help you treat photophobia or manage the health of your eyes, contact the doctors at Barnet Dulaney Perkins. Take the next step toward better vision— schedule your eye exam today. Patient Login Referring Doctors. What Causes Photophobia? The best way to treat photophobia is to identify and treat the root of the problem. If dry eye is the cause , artificial tears can alleviate symptoms, including light sensitivity.

If you experience light sensitivity when performing computer work, there are a number of changes you can make to minimize discomfort. When using a computer, your ambient lighting should be about half as bright as that typically found in most offices.

Closing curtains, shades or blinds can eliminate unnecessary exterior light while using fewer light bulbs or lower intensity bulbs can alleviate discomfort. If possible, avoid positioning your computer screen in front of or behind windows. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and wraparound sunglasses can alleviate light sensitivity when outdoors.

Sunglasses with percent UV protection are the best option. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, consider getting glasses with photochromic lenses, which automatically darken when outdoors.

If you wear contact lenses, you may want to consider wearing prosthetic contact lenses.