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Published on: 4/7/2025

Can Allergies Cause Light Sensitivity?

Yes, allergies can make your eyes feel sensitive to bright light because the irritation and swelling in your eyes make it harder for them to handle light.

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Explanation

When you have allergies, your eyes can become red, itchy, and swollen due to inflammation, which is common in conditions like allergic conjunctivitis. This inflammation can make your eyes more sensitive to light, causing them to feel uncomfortable or even hurt when exposed to brightness. Imagine how a small cut might make your skin feel extra tender; similarly, irritated eyes can react strongly to light. Some research even shows that the way light interacts with an allergic eye might make symptoms worse, especially when the allergy affects your eyes at night. If you notice that bright lights cause discomfort and you have allergies, it might be due to the inflammation in your eyes. Using treatments like antihistamine eye drops or avoiding allergens can lessen the irritation and help reduce the light sensitivity. If your symptoms continue or get worse, it’s important to talk with an eye doctor who can check your eyes and provide the right care to help you feel better.

(References)

  • La Rosa M, Lionetti E, Reibaldi M, Russo A, Longo A, Leonardi S, Tomarchio S, Avitabile T, Reibaldi A. Allergic conjunctivitis: a comprehensive review of the literature. Ital J Pediatr. 2013 Mar 14;39:18. doi: 10.1186/1824-7288-39-18. PMID: 23497516; PMCID: PMC3640929.

  • Baab S, Le PH, Gurnani B, et al. Allergic Conjunctivitis. [Updated 2024 Jan 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing

  • Deprato A, Maidstone R, Cros AP, Adan A, Haldar P, Harding BN, Lacy P, Melenka L, Moitra S, Navarro JF, Kogevinas M, Durrington HJ, Moitra S. Influence of light at night on allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med. 2024 Feb 14;22(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12916-024-03291-5. PMID: 38355588; PMCID: PMC10865638.

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