Photophobia (Sensitivity to light)

Sensitivity to light, otherwise known as photophobia, is the inability to tolerate light. Symptoms include pain, severe tearing discomfort in response to a brightly lit environment such as looking at the sky, causing the eyes to squint or the head to move away from the stimulus.

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What is Photophobia?

Photophobia results in pain and discomfort when someone is exposed to any bright light (sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light). Often patients as a consequence have associated squinting and eye closure. The condition can also be associated with headache and nausea. Those with light-coloured eyes are more likely to have sensitivity to bright light than those with darker-pigmented eyes.

Symptoms of Photophobia

Symptoms of photophobia occur in response to a light source, such as the sky or sun, and often include:

Squinting
Turning your head away from light sources
Eye pain, severe tearing and discomfort in response to light
Nausea
Headaches

If you are experiencing symptoms of sensitivity to light constantly, it’s important to find out what is causing it. Inflammation of any part of the eye can result in increased light sensitivity. Finding the cause is the first step to getting the right treatment in place.

Causes of Photophobia

A number of different conditions can cause sensitivity to light from dry eye to severe inflammation in the eye. The structures of the eye are very sensitive and there are a high concentration of nerve endings, which are sensitive to pain, on the cornea (transparent part of the eye) and other eye structures. Inflammation of any part of the eye results in increased light sensitivity.

The causes below are not an exhaustive list but are provided to improve knowledge of the condition:

Dry eye
Allergic conjunctivitis
Iritis
Uveitis
Post-surgery
Post Trauma / eye injury

stock image young woman closes eyes and pinches brow due to uncomfortable photophobia sensitivity to light symptoms like headache

Why See a Specialist for Photophobia?

Photophobia is a symptom that could indicate something serious taking place in the eye and you are advised to see an ophthalmologist without delay if you are constantly experiencing this symptom. The sooner you get seen by an eye expert, the sooner you can start treatment and get relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

If you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms, contact one of our Patient Coordinators who can arrange an appointment for you to see one of our eye specialists. Call 0800 0112882 or email us using the button below.

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Sensitivity to Light FAQs

What is the medical term for sensitivity to bright light?

Photophobia is the medical term for sensitivity to light. It comes from Greek phōs meaning ‘light’ and phóbos meaning ‘fear’.

What are common symptoms of photophobia?

Common symptoms include squinting, turning your head away from light sources, eye pain, severe tearing and discomfort in response to light, as well as nausea and headache.

What types of light can cause symptoms?

Any type of light can cause photophobia symptoms. Sunlight comes from the sun but we also experience many types of light in modern life such as from lights in our homes and in public places and from the screens of electrical devices.

What are the treatments?

The treatment for photophobia will depend on the cause of your symptoms. Causes can include dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, iritis, post-surgery, and eye trauma or injury. To find out your personal treatment options, book a consultation to see one of our eye specialists today.

Why are people with lighter eyes more likely to be affected?

Those with light-coloured eyes are more likely to have sensitivity to bright light than those with darker-pigmented eyes. This is because when light hits a dark-colored iris, the higher density in pigment blocks the light rays. This doesn’t happen so much with light eyes as the density of pigment is less than that of a darker coloured iris, so less light is blocked.

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Author Information

Authored by Sheraz Daya MD FACP FACS FRCS(Ed) FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon & Medical Director, June 2019.

Next review due August 2025.