Light Sensitivity

What is it?

Photophobia is an abnormal sensitivity to light causing pain, discomfort, or the need to squint or close the eyes. It results from hypersensitivity of the trigeminal pain pathway activated by light. Migraine is the most common cause, with up to 90% of patients reporting photophobia during attacks. Uveitis (eye inflammation) and corneal abrasions cause intense localized photophobia. New, severe photophobia with headache, neck stiffness, and fever is a classic triad for bacterial meningitis and constitutes a medical emergency.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Severe photophobia with sudden severe headache ("thunderclap"), neck stiffness, or fever — seek emergency care (meningitis)
• 2Photophobia with eye pain, redness, and decreased vision (uveitis, corneal ulcer)
• 3New photophobia after a head injury
• 4Chronic photophobia significantly affecting daily life and not associated with migraines
• 5Photophobia in a child with fever, rash, and irritability

What you can do

• ✓Wear photochromic or FL-41 tinted lenses — specifically shown to reduce migraine-related photophobia
• ✓Reduce screen brightness and use blue-light filters
• ✓During a migraine, rest in a dark, quiet room
• ✓Use sunglasses with UV protection outdoors — polarized lenses reduce glare
• ✓If dry eyes are contributing, use preservative-free artificial tears regularly

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions