Light Sensitivity
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Sensitive to light
Eye pain due to light
Light sensitivity
Photophobia
Bright lights cause pain
Prefer dim light to bright light
Intolerance of light
Over-sensitivity to light
Aversion to light
About the Symptom
Photophobia is increased sensitivity and aversion to light. It causes eye discomfort in bright light. Light sensitivity is most commonly a symptom of an underlying disorder. Most commonly this can be due to migraines or dry eyes.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Eyes are sensitive to bright light
Possible Causes
Generally, Light sensitivity can be related to:
- Retinitis pigmentosa
An inherited degenerative disease affecting the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eye. It causes loss of night and side vision.
- Sarcoidosis (Including Erythema Nodosum-Like Eruption)
A disease where small lumps (called granulomas) form in the skin, lungs, eyes, and other organs. Since various organs are affected, there is a wide range of possible symptoms. The exact causes are not well understood.
- Migraine
A type of headache that typically presents as throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head, sometimes with associated nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, sensory disturbances, such as vision changes (seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines), can occur before the headache. The pain may worsen on exposure to bright lights or loud noise. Triggers for migraine include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, and hormonal changes in women.
- Uveitis
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Light sensitivity may be related to these serious diseases:
- Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membrane (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, brain injuries, cancer, and certain drugs. It is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent brain and nerve damage.
- Cerebral Infarction
- Skedosporium Disease
- Measles
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you sensitive to bright lights?
- When did you first notice your sensitivity to bright light?
- How often do you experience a sensitivity to bright light?
- How is your sensitivity to bright light now?
- How does your sensitivity to bright light affect your daily activities?
Reviewed By:
Ami Shah Vira, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Shah Vira grew up in Arizona. She moved to Chicago to complete a combined engineering and medical program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Chicago Medical School. She completed a highly competitive two year dual fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology and Oculoplastic at the highly regarded Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Shah Vira specializes in surgical correction of the eyelids and eyebrows, eyelid malposition and tumors, excessive tearing, and conditions involving the orbit.
Masashi Mimura, MD (Ophthalmology)
Dr. Mimura Graduated from the Osaka Medical College and obtained his ophthalmologist certification in 2007. He opened an outpatient clinic for oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at Osaka Kaijo Hospital. Subsequently, he was appointed as the assistant professor at the Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, in 2014. He then served an international fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology/Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California State University, San Diego. Since then, he has been appointed as Lecturer in the Departments of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College and Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital. Dr. Mimura is currently the Director of Oculofacial Clinic Osaka, where he specializes in Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Can allergies cause light sensitivity?
A.
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.
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.
Q.
Can COVID cause light sensitivity?
A.
Yes, COVID-19 can sometimes cause light sensitivity, although this is just one of a range of eye symptoms that some patients may experience.
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.
Q.
Does astigmatism cause light sensitivity?
A.
Astigmatism typically makes vision blurry, but it can sometimes cause light sensitivity.
References:
Gurnani B, Kaur K. Astigmatism. [Updated 2023 Jun 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Zhang J, Wu Y, Sharma B, Gupta R, Jawla S, Bullimore MA. Epidemiology and Burden of Astigmatism: A Systematic Literature Review. Optom Vis Sci. 2023 Mar 1;100(3):218-231. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001998. Epub 2023 Feb 7. PMID: 36749017; PMCID: PMC10045990.
Q.
Does eye color affect light sensitivity?
A.
Yes, eye color can affect light sensitivity, and people with lighter-colored eyes may be more sensitive to bright light.
References:
James M. Stringham, Paul V. Garcia, Peter A. Smith, Leon N. McLin, Brian K. Foutch; Macular Pigment and Visual Performance in Glare: Benefits for Photostress Recovery, Disability Glare, and Visual Discomfort. _Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci._ 2011;52(10):7406-7415.
Nischler C, Michael R, Wintersteller C, Marvan P, van Rijn LJ, Coppens JE, van den Berg TJ, Emesz M, Grabner G. Iris color and visual functions. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2013 Jan;251(1):195-202. doi: 10.1007/s00417-012-2006-8. Epub 2012 Apr 12. PMID: 22527312.
Q.
How can I get tested for photophobia?
A.
To get tested for photophobia (light sensitivity), you should start with an eye exam from an eye doctor who will ask about your symptoms and check your eyes closely.
References:
Katz BJ, Digre KB. Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of photophobia. Surv Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul-Aug;61(4):466-77. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Feb 12. PMID: 26875996.
Q.
Is it common to have light sensitivity after cataract surgery?
A.
It is not unusual to experience some light sensitivity after cataract surgery, though most cases are temporary and improve with time. In some patients, unique factors like changes in the eye's optics may lead to longer-lasting symptoms.
References:
Pérez Silguero D, Pérez Silguero MÁ, Pérez-Silguero Jiménez S, Encinas Pisa P. Long-lasting disabling photophobia after uneventful cataract surgery. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2021 Aug;96(8):446-448. doi: 10.1016/j.oftale.2020.06.024. Epub 2021 Jul 16. PMID: 34340785.
Ishiguro N, Horiguchi H, Katagiri S, Shiba T, Nakano T. Correlation between higher-order aberration and photophobia after cataract surgery. PLoS One. 2022 Sep 15;17(9):e0274705. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274705. PMID: 36107829; PMCID: PMC9477362.
Q.
Is there any connection between ADHD and light sensitivity?
A.
Research shows that many adults with ADHD report light sensitivity, and while some clues suggest eye factors might play a role, more study is needed to fully understand the connection.
References:
Kooij JJ, Bijlenga D. High prevalence of self-reported photophobia in adult ADHD. Front Neurol. 2014 Dec 10;5:256. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2014.00256. PMID: 25540636; PMCID: PMC4261727.
Grudzinska Pechhacker MK, Molnar A, Pekkola Pacheco N, Thonberg H, Querat L, Birkeldh U, Nordgren A, Lindstrand A. Reduced cone photoreceptor function and subtle systemic manifestations in two siblings with loss of SCLT1. Ophthalmic Genet. 2024 Feb;45(1):95-102. doi: 10.1080/13816810.2023.2215332. Epub 2023 May 29. PMID: 37246745.
Q.
Is there any connection between autism and light sensitivity?
A.
Some studies suggest there may be a link between autism and light sensitivity, as changes in brain activity and sensory processing in autism might make some individuals more sensitive to bright lights.
References:
Madaan P, Jauhari P, Luhar ZM, Chakrabarty B, Gulati S. Autism, Epilepsy, and Neuroregression: Photosensitivity on Electroencephalography Solved the Riddle. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2020 Nov;51(6):399-402. doi: 10.1177/1550059419899327. Epub 2020 Jan 6. PMID: 31903771.
Nair AS, Priya RS, Rajagopal P, Pradeepa C, Senthil R, Dhanalakshmi S, Lai KW, Wu X, Zuo X. A case study on the effect of light and colors in the built environment on autistic children's behavior. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Nov 30;13:1042641. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1042641. PMID: 36532166; PMCID: PMC9748440.
Q.
Is there any connection between photophobia and migraine/headache?
A.
Yes, there is a strong connection between photophobia (light sensitivity) and migraine or headache disorders. Bright light can worsen headache pain, and many people with migraines experience discomfort when exposed to light.
References:
Wilkins AJ, Haigh SM, Mahroo OA, Plant GT. Photophobia in migraine: A symptom cluster? Cephalalgia. 2021 Oct;41(11-12):1240-1248. doi: 10.1177/03331024211014633. Epub 2021 May 14. PMID: 33990148; PMCID: PMC8497413.
Wang Y, Wang S, Qiu T, Xiao Z. Photophobia in headache disorders: characteristics and potential mechanisms. J Neurol. 2022 Aug;269(8):4055-4067. doi: 10.1007/s00415-022-11080-4. Epub 2022 Mar 23. PMID: 35322292.
Zou X, He J, Zhou M, Zhao F, Tian X, Xu X, Hong W, Wang F, Chen J, Qin C, Xia J, Xie Y, Xiao Y, Liu K, Guo L. Photophobia and Visual Triggers in Vestibular Migraine. Neurol Ther. 2024 Aug;13(4):1191-1201. doi: 10.1007/s40120-024-00631-8. Epub 2024 May 31. PMID: 38819614; PMCID: PMC11263323.
Q.
What are the common treatments for photophobia?
A.
People with photophobia can often find relief using tinted glasses, reducing bright light exposure, and treating any underlying conditions.
References:
Katz BJ, Digre KB. Diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of photophobia. Surv Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul-Aug;61(4):466-77. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Feb 12. PMID: 26875996.
Q.
Why am I having light sensitivity in one eye?
A.
Light sensitivity in one eye can happen for several reasons, including inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) or retinal issues. It's important to see a doctor to figure out exactly what might be causing your symptoms.
References:
Guier CP, Stokkermans TJ. Optic Neuritis. [Updated 2023 Mar 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Kido A, Ogino K, Miyake Y, Yanagida K, Kikuchi T, Yoshimura N. Unilateral negative electroretinogram presenting as photophobia. Doc Ophthalmol. 2016 Aug;133(1):71-9. doi: 10.1007/s10633-016-9544-z. Epub 2016 May 31. PMID: 27245454.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Burstein R, Noseda R, Fulton AB. Neurobiology of Photophobia. J Neuroophthalmol. 2019 Mar;39(1):94-102. doi: 10.1097/WNO.0000000000000766. PMID: 30762717; PMCID: PMC6383812.
https://journals.lww.com/jneuro-ophthalmology/Fulltext/2019/03000/Neurobiology_of_Photophobia.16.aspxAlbilali A, Dilli E. Photophobia: When Light Hurts, a Review. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2018 Jul 30;18(9):62. doi: 10.1007/s11910-018-0864-0. PMID: 30058044.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11910-018-0864-0Noseda R, Copenhagen D, Burstein R. Current understanding of photophobia, visual networks and headaches. Cephalalgia. 2019 Nov;39(13):1623-1634. doi: 10.1177/0333102418784750. Epub 2018 Jun 25. PMID: 29940781; PMCID: PMC6461529.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0333102418784750Diel RJ, Mehra D, Kardon R, Buse DC, Moulton E, Galor A. Photophobia: shared pathophysiology underlying dry eye disease, migraine and traumatic brain injury leading to central neuroplasticity of the trigeminothalamic pathway. Br J Ophthalmol. 2021 Jun;105(6):751-760. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-316417. Epub 2020 Jul 23. PMID: 32703784; PMCID: PMC8022288.
https://bjo.bmj.com/content/105/6/751Rossi HL, Recober A. Photophobia in primary headaches. Headache. 2015 Apr;55(4):600-4. doi: 10.1111/head.12532. Epub 2015 Mar 19. PMID: 25790126; PMCID: PMC4459705.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/head.12532