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

Possible Causes

Generally, Light sensitivity can be related to:

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Light sensitivity may be related to these serious diseases:

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

Reviewed By:

Ami Shah Vira, MD

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

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.

From our team of 50+ doctors

Content updated on Feb 6, 2025

Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy

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FAQs

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.

See more on Doctor's Note

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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References