Photophobia Or Sensitivity To Light: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Photophobia or sensitivity to light is a condition in which eyes are extremely sensitive to light People with photophobia experience discomfort or pain when exposed to bright light, whether natural or artificial. This discomfort can range from slight discomfort to severe pain.

In other words, people who have this condition have a special hypersensitivity to exposure to intense lights, which makes them produces physical, emotional and behavioral discomfort Although the DSM-V has not made a precise diagnosis of this problem, the truth is that the branch of psychology recognizes photophobia as a disorder of visual perception.

In addition, sensitivity to light can also be treated as a phobia, because the person avoids or flees from situations in which there could be excessive light exposure.

Photophobia can be caused by a variety of conditions or situations, ranging from eye problems to neurological disorders. Some of the most common causes of photophobia are:

• Migraines: They manifest as a sudden, stabbing pain in the head that requires rest. Most people who suffer from migraines cannot continue with their daily activities.
• Eye infections: They can affect vision and cause difficulties when faced with bright stimuli. Among the most common diseases, conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis, among others, stand out.
• Myopia and astigmatism: These are vision alterations that prevent you from seeing correctly, whether from a distance or up close. These conditions can develop sensitivity to light.
• Incorrect use of lenses: Some industrial products can cause eye irritation and impede the ability to maintain vision in front of luminous objects.
• Other diseases: Meningitis, encephalitis, and Lyme disease have been proven to cause this eye condition known as photophobia.

The symptoms of photophobia can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the light sensitivity. Some of the most common symptoms are the following:

• Eye discomfort: People with photophobia often experience eye discomfort when exposed to bright light. This discomfort can range from a burning or itching sensation to sharp pain.
• Headache: Photophobia can trigger headaches in some people, especially if they also suffer from migraines.
• Excessive flickering – In an attempt to protect themselves from light, some may experience excessive blinking or squinting when exposed to light.
• Blurry vision: Light sensitivity can make it difficult to see clearly, which can cause blurred vision or difficulty focusing correctly.
• Eye fatigue: The effort of trying to avoid light can cause eye fatigue in people with photophobia.
• Nausea and dizziness: In severe cases, photophobia can trigger symptoms of nausea and dizziness, especially in individuals prone to migraines.
• Avoidance of places with bright lights– In some cases, light sensitivity may persist even in dim lighting conditions or in dark rooms.

The isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not imply photophobia. The diagnosis must be made by a specialized mental health professional.

Treatment for light sensitivity, or photophobia, depends on the underlying cause. Here we show you the best way to treat it in each case:

Eye problems

If light sensitivity is due to eye problems, the best treatments are:

• Inflammation of the iris (iritis) – Treatment of photophobia may involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroid eye drops.
• Conjunctivitis: Treatments may include cold compresses, lubricating eye drops, and, in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, topical antibiotics.

Neurological disorders

Treatment for photophobia caused by neurological disorders is:

• Migraines: Treatment may include preventive medications and medications to relieve pain during migraine attacks. Avoiding known migraine triggers also helps reduce light sensitivity.
• Brain injuries: Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. It may include medications to control pain and inflammation, as well as physical or occupational therapy as needed.

General medical illnesses

In the event that sensitivity to light is due to medical conditions, the treatment must be adjusted to the manifested condition. Below, we present possible diseases that could cause photophobia and their treatment:

• Meningitis: Treatment may involve the use of antiviral medications or antibiotics, as well as supportive therapy to treat symptoms. The help of a mental health professional helps improve physical and emotional well-being.
• Lyme’s desease: Antibiotics are the main treatment combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. If photophobia causes a lot of pain, lubricating drops are also often prescribed to relieve symptoms.

Psychological disorders

If the cause of photophobia is related to psychological disorders, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety medications, or graded exposure therapy In this article you will find information about the Exposure Technique in psychology: what it is and characteristics.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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