Photophobia

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Light sensitivity is a very common complaint. To some degree it is normal to be sensitive to light, but when the sensitivity is so severe that it impairs a patient's ability to function we consider it a problem. The medical term for light sensitivity is photophobia. It doesn't mean a "fear of light" exactly, but more like an aversion to light.

Photophobia occurs in many ocular and neurologic conditions. The top two are dry eyes and migraines, but many other eye or nerve conditions include photophobia as a symptom.

Because dry eye is the number one cause a photophobia, I'd recommend trying artificial tears. Even if you don't feel like you have dry eyes, they might be more dry than you think, and there is almost no downside to using unmedicated artificial tears, especially if you choose preservative free drops. 



One might be tempted to just turn out all the lights and put on dark shades.




It is not healthy to completely cut out all light exposure. The eyes will actually become more sensitive if you wear dark glasses and retreat into darkness all the time. 


Researchers have identified specific cells in the eye which contain a pigment called melanopsin. Those cells seem to be connected to the pain sensitive structures in the brain and trigger the photophobia sensations. Melanopsin reacts strongest to BLUE or CYAN light.

White light is just a combination of all the colors. 



By blocking the most pain sensitive component of light, we can compromise and allow more light in, but avoid the worst light that is most likely to cause problems.

The best glasses to block the light that stimulates melanopsin may be FL 41 tinted lenses. Most of the research points to FL 41.

Not a highway in Florida


FL 41 tinted lenses were developed in the 90s to help school kids who were sensitive to fluorescent lights. They have a pinkish purplish color.


There are other options that include orange or amber tints. Some people prefer this option.

I recommend doing your research and maybe try a couple of different options. Don't break the bank trying all the most expensive types, but once you find what you like, it might be a worthwhile investment.

Most patient with photophobia do not use medication specifically for the light sensitivity, but if there is migraine or blepharospasm (uncontrolled eyelid squeezing) then medical treatment of that condition will improve the light sensitivity symptom, too.

So in conclusion, light sensitivity or photophobia is a very common symptom with lots of causes. Most patients benefit from the right kind of eye drops and the right kind of tinted lenses. It is important to use the right kind, so things don't get worse. Prescription medication is infrequently used except in conjunction with some other disorder.