Light sensitivity

Light sensitivity is a condition in which your eyes react more strongly than normal to light. This can include bright sunlight, but also ordinary artificial light indoors or the screen of your computer or mobile phone. People with light sensitivity often squint, experience pain or watery eyes, and seek out shade or a dark room.

Light sensitivity is not usually a condition in its own right, but a symptom of something else. It may indicate an eye condition such as inflammation of the cornea, the iris or the conjunctiva, but it can also be caused by a migraine, a headache or a neurological condition. Sometimes it occurs temporarily following eye surgery or as a result of certain medicines.

Possible causes

Light sensitivity can have various causes:

• Eye infections: such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), uveitis (inflammation of the uvea) or conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva).
• Corneal conditions: damage, erosions or scarring of the cornea can cause light sensitivity.
• Pupillary abnormalities: if the pupil does not constrict properly, too much light enters the eye.
• Migraines and headaches: sensitivity to light is a common symptom of migraines.
• Medicines: some eye drops or systemic medicines can increase sensitivity to light.
• Dry eyes: a disrupted tear film can make the eye more sensitive to light.
• Neurological conditions: such as meningitis or certain brain injuries.

Contact lens wearers can also experience temporary sensitivity to light if their lenses do not fit properly, are dirty or are worn for too long.

When should you visit an optician or ophthalmologist?

Light sensitivity that occurs suddenly, accompanied by pain, redness, blurred vision or other symptoms, requires professional assessment. An optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist can investigate the cause and determine whether treatment is necessary. Do not wait too long if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Contact lenses and sensitivity to light

If you wear contact lenses and experience sensitivity to light, this may indicate irritation, a dirty lens, wearing them for too long, or the onset of an infection. Remove your lenses and have your eyes examined by your optician or ophthalmologist. Do not wear your lenses again until the cause has been identified.

Practical tips

As long as you are experiencing light sensitivity, sunglasses or a peaked cap can help reduce discomfort when outdoors. Indoors, you can dim the lights or find a spot with less bright light. However, these are temporary measures; the underlying cause must be addressed.

If you have any symptoms or concerns, please have them assessed by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.