Can COVID cause light sensitivity?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, COVID-19 can cause light sensitivity (photophobia). While not among the most common symptoms, photophobia is one of several eye-related issues reported by COVID-19 patients, alongside conjunctivitis (pink eye), sore or itchy eyes, blurred vision, and excessive tearing.

Light sensitivity from COVID-19 may occur due to inflammation, viral effects on the nervous system, or as part of post-COVID (long COVID) symptoms. If you're experiencing eye discomfort along with other potential COVID-19 symptoms, it's important to identify the cause quickly so you can take appropriate next steps.

Not sure what's causing your symptoms? Because light sensitivity can stem from many conditions—ranging from viral infections to migraines to more serious neurological issues—getting clarity fast matters. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

COVID-19 can affect different parts of the body, including the eyes. Some patients with COVID-19 have reported experiencing eye redness, irritation, and light sensitivity. This light sensitivity, known as photophobia, may be linked to the inflammation or irritation caused by the virus.

When the eyes become inflamed or dry, even normal light can feel uncomfortable or painful. It is important to note that not everyone with COVID-19 will have eye problems or light sensitivity.

The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is dealing with unusual eye discomfort or light sensitivity during or after a COVID-19 infection, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help assess your symptoms and determine if you should seek advice from an eye care professional. They can help assess the condition and suggest treatments to reduce discomfort and protect vision while you recover.

(References)

Singh K, Pattebahadur R, Shete V, Bang P, Mishra M, Gade N. The Characteristics of Ocular Findings and the Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Tears of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients. Cureus. 2023 Sep 2;15(9):e44589. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44589. PMID: 37795067; PMCID: PMC10545887.
Hu K, Patel J, Swiston C, et al. Ophthalmic Manifestations of Coronavirus (COVID-19) [Updated 2024 May 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
SeyedAlinaghi S, Mehraeen E, Afzalian A, Dashti M, Ghasemzadeh A, Pashaei A, Masoud Afsahi A, Saeed Tamehri Zadeh S, Amiri Fard I, Vafaee A, Molla A, Shahidi R, Dadjou A, Amin Habibi M, Mirzapour P, Dadras O. Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: A systematic review of current evidence. Prev Med Rep. 2024 Jan 14;38:102608. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102608. PMID: 38375172; PMCID: PMC10874879.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.