Photophobia
What is Photophobia?
Photophobia is the scientific word for light sensitivity and comes from the words ‘photo,’ meaning light and ‘phobia,’ meaning fear of. It is not a disease or condition but rather a symptom associated with other disorders, including dry eye disease. Commonly, individuals who endure photophobia experience abnormal discomfort, watery eyes, and even headaches when exposed to direct sunlight, fluorescent light, and incandescent light sources, causing them to squint severely in bright environments. While photophobia is mostly felt in bright conditions, some individuals may experience discomfort with any level of light.
Causes
- Dry Eye Disease
- Infections of the Eye (ex. Bacterial Corneal Ulcer)
- Inflammations of the Eye (Iritis)
- Neurological Disorders (ex. Migraines)
Photophobia and Dry Eyes
Associated Symptoms
- Difficulty Reading
- Watery Eyes
- Forehead Pain
- Burning
- Spotted Vision
Photophobia occurs when there is an error in the pathways through which our eyes sense and process light. In some cases, photophobia is the result of the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve near the cornea. While photophobia is not exclusive to dry eyes, studies indicate that most individuals with dry eye symptoms experience a degree of photophobia. Light sources that can trigger photophobia and other dry eye symptoms include fluorescent lighting, computer and device screens, TVs, bright sunlight, and flashing or flickering lights. If you have symptoms of light sensitivity and dry eyes, contact your eye care professional and ask about CSI Dry Eye Software — the software helps to determine the underlying cause of symptoms and suggests possible approaches to treatment.
What is the treatment
for dry eyes?
When dry eye disease leads to symptoms such as photophobia, finding the right treatment is essential. CSI Dry Eye Software includes a database of possible OTC eye drops and treatment plan options.
Understanding and overcoming photophobia
Treating photophobia comes down to understanding the root cause behind it. CSI Dry Eye Software is the only dry eye software that aims to develop an evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing dry eye disease. If photophobia is a symptom of your dry eyes, CSI Dry Eye Software can identify the best treatment option for you, whether prescription medication or a procedure on the eye. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by wearing tinted glasses outdoors to protect from the sun. It is not advisable that individuals who experience photophobia wear sunglasses indoors. Please seek the help of an eye doctor to diagnose and treat the causes of photophobia.
Ask Your Doctor About CSI Dry Eye Software or Find a CSI Dry Eye Software Clinic Near You!
