{"id":2636,"date":"2024-10-21T19:25:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T23:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=2636"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:41","slug":"photophobia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/photophobia","title":{"rendered":"What Is Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever found yourself experiencing eye pain in harsh sunlight? Did your eyes shut by themselves to block out the brightness? Or perhaps you\u2019ve suffered from a headache so terrible that you needed to sit in a dark room to keep light from making it worse. If you have, you may have been experiencing photophobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photophobia is eye sensitivity to light. (Though the word includes \u201cphobia,\u201d photophobia doesn\u2019t mean \u201cfear of light.\u201d) Photophobia can be mild or severe, ranging from slight discomfort to extreme pain. You can have photophobia just about anywhere\u2014in sunlight or indoors. Usually, it occurs as a response to bright light, but sometimes, photophobia can even occur in low light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also called light sensitivity, photophobia is common, especially among people who get migraine attacks. In rare cases, it can indicate a serious health issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we\u2019ll shed some light on what causes photophobia. We\u2019ll go over the main photophobia symptoms and what to do if you\u2019re experiencing light sensitivity, including when to see an eye doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><!-- .entry-content (split for inline block) -->\n\n<section class=\"wp-blocks__banner has-img white\">\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/optical-store-desk-cta.jpg\" alt=\"Sensitive to light?\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-blocks__banner-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Sensitive to light?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<p>See an eye doctor to find the cause<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-blocks-banner__cta-links\" style=\"flex-wrap:wrap;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/eye-exams\">Book an appointment <svg id=\"aa495747-7767-4ea8-bc8e-3e09f9e2a480\" data-name=\"Layer 1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 5.5 9.5\"><path d=\"M5.49,4.61a.87.87,0,0,1,0,.32.73.73,0,0,1-.2.35l-4,4A.75.75,0,0,1,.22,8.22L3.69,4.75.22,1.28A.75.75,0,0,1,1.28.22l4,4A.75.75,0,0,1,5.49,4.61Z\" style=\"fill:#1050D0;fill-rule:evenodd\"\/><\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"entry-content\"><!-- (reopen for inline block) -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photophobia Causes: Why Are My Eyes Sensitive to Light?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People can become light-sensitive for a lot of reasons. Let\u2019s discuss some of the more common causes of photophobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Milder Light Sensitivity Causes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the person and the situation, photophobia can occur as a result of ordinary circumstances or even personal characteristics. These causes of photophobia tend to be more benign (though still uncomfortable):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Albinism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/dry-eyes\">Dry eyes<\/a> (the most common cause of photophobia)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/how-long-does-eye-dilation-last\">Eye dilation<\/a> at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/what-to-expect-at-an-eye-exam\">comprehensive eye exam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-strain-symptoms-and-treatment\">Eye strain<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medications like certain antibiotics, retinoids, or anti-inflammatory medicines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migraine headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery from eye procedures like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/lasik-eye-surgery\">LASIK eye surgery<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/cataract-surgery\">cataract surgery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Serious Causes of Light Sensitivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, photophobia can indicate a more significant underlying cause that might require immediate attention. These causes of photophobia may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/what-are-cataracts\">Cataracts<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/conjunctivitis\">Conjunctivitis (pink eye)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eye injuries like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/corneal-abrasion\">corneal abrasions<\/a> (scratched cornea)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neurologic conditions like meningitis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-infections\">Ocular (eye) infections<\/a> or inflammations like iritis, uveitis, keratitis, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/photokeratitis\">photokeratitis<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/blepharitis\">blepharitis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychiatric disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retinal damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serious eye diseases like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/what-is-glaucoma\">glaucoma<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traumatic brain injuries like concussions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photophobia Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since photophobia is typically a sign of another underlying condition, photophobia symptoms often occur along with other symptoms related to that condition. These symptoms can be relatively slight, or they can be more debilitating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be aware that some photophobia symptoms could be possible signs of an urgent health problem. To be safe, even if your symptoms are mild, especially if they don\u2019t go away within a day or two, it\u2019s best to get checked by an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/optometrist-vs-ophthalmologist\">optometrist or ophthalmologist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Milder photophobia symptoms may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eyes squinting or reflexively shutting (blepharospasm)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mild <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/why-do-my-eyes-hurt\">eye pain<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Red or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/itchy-eyes\">itchy eyes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watery eyes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you experience any of the following more severe light sensitivity symptoms, see an eye doctor right away. They could indicate an emergency medical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blurred vision or seeing spots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Body tingling or numbness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extreme pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headache or dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hearing changes or sensitivity to sound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Severe light sensitivity, such as needing to wear sunglasses indoors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stiff neck&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Swollen eyes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photophobia Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The treatment for photophobia generally revolves around the cause and severity. Your doctor might suggest you take actions at home focused on easing the symptoms. Or they may prescribe a treatment or medication to treat the cause. Possible photophobia treatments could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Artificial tears or other lubricating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/eye-drops-for-dry-eyes\">eye drops for dry eyes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/eyeglasses\/blue-light\">Blue light-filtering lenses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eye surgery, such as cataract surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medication to treat an underlying illness, such as migraine medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimizing light exposure, especially fluorescent lighting and bright sunlight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resting with your eyes shut<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Therapeutic tinted contact lenses or eyeglasses to tone down bright environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/sunglasses\">sunglasses<\/a> or trying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/eyeglasses\/light-responsive\">light-responsive lenses<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need Photophobia Treatment? Don\u2019t Be Afraid of the Eye Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper eye care is an essential component of your overall health care. If you experience photophobia that doesn\u2019t go away after a couple of days, is severe, or is accompanied by any of the other symptoms we discussed above, the best course of action is to make an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/eye-exams\">eye appointment<\/a>. Your doctor can check for underlying conditions and recommend the best treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever found yourself experiencing eye pain in harsh sunlight? Did your eyes shut by themselves to block out the brightness? Or perhaps you\u2019ve suffered from a headache so terrible that you needed to sit in a dark room to keep light from making it worse. If you have, you may have been experiencing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":2639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eye-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)? | Warby Parker<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re photophobic, your eyes are sensitive to light. Learn what causes photophobia and how to treat it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/photophobia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)? | Warby Parker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re photophobic, your eyes are sensitive to light. 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