Sensitive to Light? We Can Help
Photophobia may seem like an annoying inconvenience. However, if you have recurring or persistent sensitivity to light, you could have an underlying condition.
At VIP Laser Eye Center, with locations in Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie, Florida, our cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery specialists have advanced training in eye conditions that can lead to light sensitivity. Here’s what you should know about this uncomfortable problem and what could be causing your symptoms.
Understanding photophobia
Photophobia can affect anyone of any age. It often occurs in both eyes, but you can experience symptoms in just one. When you have photophobia, you have a higher than normal sensitivity and aversion to light, and you can even have eye pain or discomfort at the same time.
Additional symptoms of photophobia can include:
- Feeling regular lighting is excessively bright
- Seeing bright spots, even with closed eyes or in the dark
- Tearing or watery eyes
- Wanting to close your eyes
- Feeling as if your eyes are excessively dry
- Difficulty reading or looking at text or images
- Forehead or head pain
- Fatigue or nausea
These symptoms can develop for numerous reasons. For example, migraines, dental issues, and taking certain medications can trigger photophobia. However, the condition can also be due to an eye problem.
Eye problems linked to photophobia
When you have photophobia because of an eye problem, your light sensitivity can become even more severe. In fact, sometimes, even moderate light can feel unbearable. Plus, when an eye problem triggers your light sensitivity, it’s common to experience additional eye symptoms, such as vision changes, severe pain, and redness.
The eye conditions that cause photophobia aren’t always serious. For example, if you have light-colored eyes, you’re more likely to be sensitive to bright light. However, some causes — such as a corneal abrasion — can put your vision at risk, so it’s crucial to schedule an appointment to identify what’s to blame for your photophobia.
Common eye-related causes of photophobia include:
- Albinism
- Dilated pupils
- Dry eye syndrome
- Eye infections or inflammation
- Corneal abrasion
- Keratoconus
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinal detachment
To avoid complications and to ease symptoms as quickly as possible, you should schedule an appointment without delay, especially if you have other eye symptoms.
Finding relief for photophobia
Our team offers all of the latest treatments for eye conditions that trigger light sensitivity. We provide both comprehensive eye care and advanced procedures, so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll find relief, even for the most complex symptoms.
To identify what’s to blame for your photophobia, we start by performing an eye exam and discussing your symptoms. After reaching a diagnosis, we develop a personalized treatment strategy.
Treatments for photophobia vary, depending on the cause. For example, we could recommend:
- Eye drops to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- LipiFlow® to remove tear gland blockages that are causing dry eyes
- Surgery to correct cataracts
- Prescription drops or surgery for glaucoma
Together, we can create a treatment strategy to help keep you comfortable no matter what is causing your light sensitivity.
To learn more about photophobia, call 561-288-2447 to book an appointment with VIP Laser Eye Center today.
