For people with eyes sensitive to light, everyday activities like being outside on a sunny day or going to a store with bright fluorescent bulbs can be frustrating. Those whose eyes are sensitive to light can often experience issues such as migraines and anxiety. Fortunately, your optometrist can help diagnose this issue and find a reasonable solution. Light sensitivity can arise from many conditions, but here are some of the possible causes. 

Dry Eyes and Light Sensitivity 

Dry eyes occur when your eyes aren’t able to properly lubricate themselves. This primarily causes problems with one’s corneas, which are the clear protective layers on the outside of your eyes. There are a number of things that can cause dry eyes including issues with tear ducts, vitamin deficiencies, and some chronic medical conditions. Dry eyes are often associated with itchiness, burning, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). 

Abrasions 

A corneal abrasion (remember that the cornea is the outside layer that protects your eye) occurs when something causes a small cut in the cornea, and it can even arise from forceful rubbing. It’s typically a painful issue that tends to generate redness, tears, headaches, and light sensitivity. Luckily, it’s often a fairly minor injury and tends to heal after a few days of rest. Avoid further irritation to allow inflammation to fade and encourage a speedy recovery. 

Keratitis 

If you suddenly have eyes sensitive to light, keratitis may be the culprit. This is another condition in which one’s corneas become inflamed for one reason or another. It may be due to a virus, bacteria, or simply from wearing your contact lenses too long. Your optometrist can diagnose and design a personalized treatment plan for keratitis. Its symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, and eye discharge, in addition to sensitivity. 

Uveitis 

This is a general term for a group of diseases that damage eye tissue, cause swelling, and result in the inflammation of the eye. Such symptoms can occur fairly quickly and tend to include blurred vision, redness, floaters, and eye pain, as well as to sensitivity to light. Uveitis often indicates infection, injury, autoimmunity, or an inflammatory disease. This condition can sometimes result in permanent vision loss, so early diagnosis and treatment are critical for long-term recovery. 

Keratoconus 

While fairly rare, another potential cause of eyes sensitive to light is keratoconus. Your corneas are typically round but they can become warped into a cone-like shape over time. This condition occurs gradually over the course of years or even decades. When it arises, your eyes have difficulty focusing light, causing distorted vision and light sensitivity. Keratoconus generally affects both eyes, and often one more than the other. Causes of this condition aren’t well-known, but genetic and environmental factors may both play a key role. 

Concussions Can Make Eyes Sensitive to Light 

Eyes sensitive to light are fairly common after suffering a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since concussions impact the functioning of the brain, and the brain is critical for processing visual input, it isn’t surprising that light sensitivity can sometimes present itself. Even minor head trauma can cause severe symptoms including confusion and migraines. While light sensitivity typically passes within a few weeks at most, we highly recommend checking with your physician after a concussion.

Light sensitivity is a common symptom of migraines, some eye diseases, and traumatic brain injuries. It can be both irritating and debilitating, especially during the daytime hours. While it isn’t always cause for concern, light sensitivity may indicate a more severe underlying condition. If your eyes are sensitive to light, contact us today or schedule an appointment with your optometrist. Early treatment can often make a world of difference in your quality of life.