Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light. Sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light is intolerant to human vision. Sometimes only bright light can be intolerant by light-sensitive people. Rarely, any light irritates. Bright light can cause discomfort and a need to squint or close your eyes to escape it. Such symptoms are regarded as the main symptoms of photophobia. Headache is also possible during light sensitivity. People, who are prone to sensitivity to light and glare, have lighter-colored eyes, cataracts and suffer from migraine headaches. Frequently, photophobia is a symptom of a corneal abrasion, uveitis, or a central nervous system disorder such as meningitis. Light sensitivity can be related with retinal detachment, contact lens irritations, sunburn and refractive surgery.
Photophobia is related sometimes with albinism, total color deficiency (seeing only in shades of gray), botulism, rabies, mercury poisoning, conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis. Certain rare illnesses such as the genetic disorder keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD), can also lead to photophobia. Light sensitivity can also appear as a result of a side effect, such as belladonna, furosemide, quinine, tetracycline and doxycycline. Light sensitivity can be successfully treated with the removal of the underlying cause. As soon as the underlying cause is treated, photophobia disappears. In the case of taking a medication able to lead to light sensitivity, ask the physician to prescribe you another medication or ask him for the permission to stop using it. In the case of light sensitivity, you should be away from bright sunlight and other bright lights. It is recommended to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that provide ultraviolet (UV) protection.
The wear of prosthetic contact lenses specially colored to look like your own eyes is also possible. Prosthetic contact lenses lessen the quantity of light got into the eye, providing comfort to your eyes.
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