People react and recover from glare in different ways depending on various factors, including exposure duration and the light intensity. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Photophobia is a chronic medical condition where sunlight or other types of light actually cause pain, headaches or migraines, eye dryness, burning sensation, excessive tearing, and nausea. You can also prevent some of the conditions that cause light sensitivity, including: Avoid triggers that cause migraines Prevent infections like conjunctivitis by practicing good hygiene Get immunized against meningitis Prevent encephalitis by washing hands regularly. Imagine having that just walked out of a movie theater at noon feeling only its all the time. These little eye cuts may be caused by contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, metal particles or contact lenses, according to the Mayo Clinic. Here, we discuss the most common reasons for photophobia and what you can do to manage your light sensitivity. But if you have photophobia, its more than eyes being sensitive to sunlight. Products sold on 1MD.org are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If youve been wearing sunglasses indoors due to extreme light sensitivity, or tend to retreat into the darkness with frequent migraines, you may have become more sensitive to sunlight over time. Migraines are the most common cause of light sensitivity. These reviews should not be taken as recommendations but rather customer opinions of the products that they have used. Artificial tears can lubricate the surface of your eyes and help keep them more comfortable, Dr. Brissette says. My 4 year daughter has dark circles under her eyes and is always saying she is tired she sleeps about 12 hours a night what could be the reason. 2023 1MD Nutrition. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Here's how: Again, the first line of defense against photophobia is uncovering any underlying health or medical issue. Heres what to know before you buy. The cornea is densely packed with nerve fibers, which can sense pain and are closely linked to light sensitivity, Dr. Brissette says. Eye conditions like uveitis, iritis or keratitis can be painful enough on their own, but also bring on extreme sensitivity to light. Others rely on virtual try-ons and at-home trials. Thats why its so important to see your eye doctor if you think youre dealing with keratitis. I want to know the main reason for the dark circles around my eyes a doctor say to me it is because of masturbation? Lighter eye colors are due to a phenomenon of scattering light known as Rayleigh scattering. Results may vary. A little sensitivity to light when going from relative darkness to a bright surrounding is normal, and as youve probably experienced, typically fades quickly as your eyes adjust. Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, is a term that covers any sort of eye discomfort in bright light. Computer fatigue is a very common reason, as are allergies, certain medications, illnesses, and neurological conditions. It can also cause symptoms like severe headaches, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, peeing less than usual, and shortness of breath, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kathleen Digre, M.D. Start your journey to clearer vision now and book your appointment with us one of our many locations from our extensive network. Both of these effects can cause sensitivity to light, Dr. Maszczak says. We are your biggest health advocates, so let us help you stay on track by automatically sending your joint, heart, immunity, and digestive health support supplements all in one box, on time and start enjoying a happier, healthier life today. This abnormal shape prevents your eyes from focusing light correctly, which can distort your vision, cause sensitivity to light, and just generally be a real pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treating light sensitivity requires a medical diagnosis, and you may need eye drops or prescription medication to manage the condition. 34 Presidents Day Bedding Deals You Can Already Shop. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you're anything like Vivian, normal activities like driving during the daytime could be extremely difficult due to sunlight sensitivity. If you develop photophobia, especially if you develop the condition rapidly, get help from your optometrist or ophthalmologist, as you may have an underlying eye disorder. Light sensitivity is a common symptom of cataracts, and harsh lights can be extremely painful. No matter why this inflammation happens, symptoms can come on pretty quickly and may include sensitivity to light, blurred vision, floaters, eye pain, and redness. Almost everyone (even people with blue or green eyes) has brown pigment in the back layer of the iris. While you can wear your sunglasses to help you deal with sensitivity to light, treating your dry eye is really the only way to make this better. This most often means too much sunlight (especially while driving), but it can also come from a room in which the lights are too bright. Physician-formulated supplements that deliver real, powerful results. Migraines can also be triggered by bright lighting, further demonstrating the strong link between the two conditions. Fix it: Speak with your doctor, who can perform an evaluation and help you get to the root of the problem. Here are the most common ones to keep on your radar. A migraine is an intense headache that can also cause nausea and light sensitivity. Tocopherolsare an optimized form of vitamin E. Its easily absorbed and used directly in the eye, which helps to stimulate the production of natural eye enzymes. Why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light? "The biggest mistake that people make is wearing really dark sunglasses indoors or putting dark shades on their windows.". These include: A corneal abrasion is an injury to the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye. Light hitting a dark colored iris blocks the light rays because of the higher density in pigment. The reasons for this include increased light scatter due to a higher amount of particles in older eyes. Frequently wash your hands, glasses and any other items that come into contact with your eyes to avoid spreading it. All LASIK savings offers are valid only on bladeless custom LASIK based off the LASIK procedure book price. In fact, did you know your eyes can actually get sunburned? Eye color depends on how much of a pigment called melanin lives in the iris of the eye. But either way, youre always safer to protect those baby blues. This can lead to a serious condition called a corneal ulcer if the cornea becomes infected. solution, Pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid, Dark, floating spots in the vision (floaters), Antihistamines like astemizole and meclizine, Amnesia surrounding the event that caused the Staying out of sunlight and keeping the lights dimmed inside can help make photophobia less uncomfortable. Here are other possible symptoms of a concussion, per the Mayo Clinic. She received a double B.A. For mild cases of light sensitivity, you can reduce discomfort by staying out of sunlight or wearing protective (polarized) eyewear. Home / Vision Education / Light Sensitivity. For many, photophobia is a chronic condition that becomes part of everyday life, and the severity of your case likely varies from others. The infection causes the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed. You may also experience nausea, headaches, reduced awareness, confusion, and numbness in parts of your body. If you develop light sensitivity when you did not have it before, you could have an underlying problem ranging from injury or infection in the eye to a stroke or cancer. In addition to albinism, other medical conditions could also be to blame for your photophobia. "This can make your eyes more sensitive to lights, as it may cause your eyes to adapt to dimmer conditions," Dr. Brissette says. The lack of pigment in people with light-colored eyes results in light sensitivity. Other factors that may impact vulnerability to disabling glare are: To determine the cause of your light sensitivity, your eye doctor will examine your eye, including the back of your eye, to determine if there is anything in the organ itself that may be changing or damaged, which could cause the problem. Eyes become itchy, red, and leaky as well as sensitive to light. The 18 Best Humidifiers to Combat Dry Winter Air. My eyes feel very sensitive for some reason, i feel really weird. Try the TheraSpecs Audrey glasses (Amazon.com, $119) to give your eyes a break from blue light. Dry eye affects the clear, outer layer of your eyes called the cornea. While the term literally means the "fear of light," it is not an actual phobia. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. As people age, theyre more vulnerable to disability glare. It is important to get regular eye exams to have your whole eyes health evaluated. Antibiotics for conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, or bacterial meningitis. Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open. Eye floaters are dots in your field of vision, and theyre usually harmless. Rather, photophobia is due to a medical condition or medications that affect the function of the eyes and/or nervous system. Meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In fact, photophobia is a major criteria for diagnosing migraines, and 80% of people with migraines have this symptom. In addition to squinting, you may also experience: Headaches Nausea Blurred vision Dizziness Pain in or around the eye. Youll squint, shield your eyes with your hand, and blink repeatedly until you put your sunglasses on. Oddly enough, light sensitivity may be a side effect of certain medications. The type of treatment you need will depend on the underlying cause. There are two types of photosensitive reactions, according to Dr. Bilu Martin: phototoxic and photoallergic. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Doctors aren't quite sure why sensitivity to light accompanies dry eye, but some believe it may have to do with inflammation of nerves near the cornea, or the activation of photosensitive cells that transmit light to the brain. Cataracts are the most common eye condition in the United States. This is because the melatonin in eye color can protect against some ultraviolet (UV) light and reduce how impactful bright light can be on the retina. Lighter colored eyes, like fairer skin, are more sensitive to bright light, although there are exceptions. Feeling well-rested as hell. Photophobia is linked to the connection between cells in your eyes that detect light and a nerve that goes to your head. If you have a concussion, it's also important to rest and refrain from exercise that aggravates your symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bacterial meningitis is more dangerous and can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that impacts the way your brain functions and is usually caused by a blow to the head, according to the Mayo Clinic. The bacterial form can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, and even death. You can also be careful of how you interact with lights. Increased sensitivity to light, called photophobia. In cases of eye trauma, it may affect one eye rather than both. People sometimes have preeclampsia with no symptoms. the dark area are seen on my check bellow my eyes? The inflammatory response isn't necessarily bad; in fact, some degree of inflammation is . This can range from having difficulty adjusting to brighter lights after being in a darker room to experiencing pain in the eyes or head from lights that are too bright. Limit blue light exposure before bed, as too much of it can get in the way of quality sleep, which can in turn trigger a migraine, according to the Sleep Foundation. Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is an intolerance of light. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sensitivity to light - also referred to as photosensitivity or photophobia - can be a symptom associated with a range of eye issues.If you are experiencing photosensitivity, you may also notice other symptoms related to this issue - including discharge from your eye or headaches. Another name for this condition is photophobia. Types of treatment include: While you may not be able to prevent light sensitivity, certain behaviors can help prevent some of the conditions that can cause photophobia, including the following: Light sensitivities may be resolved, but you first need to see your doctor to help diagnose the exact cause of photophobia. They may also ask questions about the frequency and severity of your symptoms to determine the cause. 31 Scorching Hot Workout Songs Thatll Have You Feeling Yourself, My Partner and I Sleep in Separate Twin Beds and It Saved Our Sex Life. If you have allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor will probably tell you to do what you can to avoid your triggers (we know, we knoweasier said than done). In this article, well talk about why your eyes might be sensitive to the sunshine and what you can do about it. Experts dont yet know what causes keratoconus, though factors like having a family history of the condition can increase your risk. getting immunized against bacterial meningitis, aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-scleritis, aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y, aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y, mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-corneal-abrasion/basics/art-20056659, ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis-Information-Page, ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Migraine-Information-Page, The 9 Best Places to Buy Prescription Eyeglasses Online, 7 Best Eyeglass Lens Replacement Companies, 8 Best Blue-Light-Filtering Glasses Made for Kids. Talk to a doctor instead if you can. Having less macular pigment is thought to allow more of the damaging wavelengths of UV light to reach your retina. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Try Non-Prescription Axon Optics for 60 days, we're confident you'll be happy with the results. Elevated stress levels change hormones, which can impair vision. As much as we all need and appreciate sunlight, the UV radiation it emits can cause some serious issues for your eyes if you dont protect them. Luteinis one of the most important eye nutrients. Lets go a little more in depth about photophobia, and then discuss what else might be causing your sunlight sensitivity. The protect this area from oxidative stress. Pain medications can relieve symptoms of migraine, and once it passes, light sensitivity diminishes too. People with albinism can also experience photophobia, Dr. Brissette says. Light sensitivity can be resolved, but the underlying cause needs to be discovered first. Is this an emergency? People with a lighter eye color are also known to be more sensitive to light. 2005 Jan;50(1):39-45. Others are more serious health conditions that require immediate medical attention. When the intraocular pressure in the eye is too great, it can distort vision and cause eye pain. This basically means that light really bothers your eyes, possibly making it tempting to wear sunglasses 24/7. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause, and can include: Medicated eye drops for inflammatory-related causes Medications for migraines Antibiotics for infections Eye drops for corneal abrasions Artificial tears for dry eyes Surgery for brain hemorrhage to remove excess blood and pressure. These include but are not limited to: Especially if your eyes sensitivity to sunlight is extreme, youll want to have some coping strategies at the ready. Most cases are caused by immune system disorders such as lupus. Its a common symptom thats associated with several different conditions, ranging from minor irritations to serious medical emergencies. It can also be the result of an infection. The real 1MD Nutrition customers featured in our videos were compensated for their time. Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is a condition in which bright lights hurt your eyes. If youre looking to re-lens existing frames, here are seven places you can buy new lenses from and what to know before you do. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. The eyes become very sensitive to light, and vision can become blurred. Then, they can last for days, weeks, or even longer. It can be fatal or lead to brain damage or a stroke. This is especially true with posterior subcapsular cataracts that start at the back of the lens, blocking light and affecting reading. There are many places to buy glasses online. Fail to understand the reason.Please help. If that doesn't . Scleritis: Scleritis is a disease that causes the whites of the eyes to become inflamed. (Excuse us, we need to scream forever at the very thought.) A number of conditions can cause light sensitivity, ranging from mild to severe. Looking for blue-light-filtering glasses for kids? If you use the right tools, being sensitive to sunshine doesnt mean you have to stay inside. Sore neck, shoulders or back. You can wear colored glasses or UV-protecting sunglasses. Fix it: Protect your eyes. It could be that you just arent giving your eyes sufficient protection, which is an easy fix. What to try: Try lubricating eye drops to soothe your eyes and provide some much-needed moisture. There are many reasons why sunlight sensitivity occurs, such as meningitis, lupus, acute photophobia, eye surgery, eye infection, eye abrasion, and much more. i have slight black area on my face . Melanin is also responsible for the color of our skin, eyes and hair. Continue any treatment for underlying medical conditions, and tell your eye doctor if symptoms, including photophobia, get worse. Light sensitivity or photophobia is an intolerance to bright light, including sunlight, fluorescent light and blue light from screens. If that doesnt help, things like antihistamines and allergy shots might minimize your symptomstalk to your doctor to figure out what makes the most sense. That's why we spoke with Ashley Brissette, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), to help shed some light on the issue. 7 Ways I Use Packaged and Processed Foods Daily as a Registered Dietitian. You may take steps to reduce your exposure to harsher types of artificial light such as fluorescent lights or digital screens by wearing blue blocking glasses or light sensitivity glasses. This is normal for anyone, and theres a good reason why nature made all of our eyes sensitive to sunlight to remind us to protect themfrom the damage sunlight can cause. Light sensitivity is commonly associated with these brain-related conditions. is good, then you don't have to worry about this although you might carry sunglasses with you more often. American Headache Society. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Migraines can feel soul-crushing. If you have lupus, your sensitivity to the sun could also manifest itself via visual floaters, dry eye, retinal complications, lesions, or changes to the muscles surrounding the eye. Last medically reviewed on October 1, 2019. Meningitis and encephalitis information page. All rights reserved. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether or not light colored eyes, like blue, are more light sensitive. The thinking is that activity in certain nerve cells makes blood vessels in your brain dilate and also causes a release of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins, which can create pain. Get photochromatic glasses to reduce how certain colors in the light spectrum affect your eyes. While most cases are mild and easily resolved, you need to rule out more serious conditions. Individual sensitive: While it is true that lighter colored eyes on average tend to be more light sensitive, many with brown eyes are also light sensitive and you fall in that category. Allergens may set off a cascade of negative responses throughout the body, including the eyes, leading to blurry vision or even sensitivity to light. Zeaxanthinworks together with lutein. Headache. This reduces swelling and pain, which can trigger light sensitivity. Other symptoms include itching, redness, and eye pain. Understand that light sensitivity is a symptom of a condition, especially if you were not light sensitive before and have just started to experience it. Light colored eyes have more light sensitivity due to the fact that the back of the eye is less dense. Fix it: If your dry eye symptoms are mild, over-the-counter eye drops, moisturizing gels and ointments may be enough to bring relief. All doctors mentioned and/or featured on this site are paid partners of 1MD Nutrition. Your eye naturally releases tears to cry, to flush any irritants out, and to soothe the eye. Enjoy free shipping today! Most cases are caused by immune system disorders such as lupus. Symptoms of photophobia include discomfort, squinting and even headaches. If youre anything like Vivian, normal activities like driving during the daytime could be extremely difficult due to sunlight sensitivity. The experience can be hazardous when you are performing activities like driving. Here are a few ideas. As if scratchy, red, itchy eyes weren't bad enough, light sensitivity can also be a symptom of dreaded dry eye. Proper keratitis treatment really depends on the cause. Read this to learn more about light sensitivity. How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked? Eye care specialists believe that this response to excess light is merely psychological and can be subjective. Lupus, dermatomyositis and porphyria are among the diseases that can increase your skin's sensitivity to light. The women with light-colored eyes also had less anxiety, depression, negative thoughts and sleep disturbances than the women with brown eyes. Source: Bossini L, Martinucci M, Paolini K, Castrogiovanni P. Panic-agoraphobic spectrum and light sensitivity in a general population sample in Italy. No matter the cause, corneal inflammation can distort light that enters your eye, causing sensitivity, Christopher J. Rapuano, M.D., chief of the cornea service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, tells SELF. It seems obvious, but thats because its so easy. Viral meningitis is more common and clears up on its own. As long as the eyes are not diseased and the. Per the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of conjunctivitis may include: Discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. i have slightly blackish area on my face . If you have uveitis, your doctor will likely focus on treatments meant to tamp down on inflammation, like steroidal eye drops. An intolerance to bright light, & quot ; fear of light sensitivity ranging... And theyre usually harmless theater at noon feeling only its all the time & quot ; fear light... Blue or green eyes ) has brown pigment in people with albinism can also be the of... And photoallergic cataracts, and blink repeatedly until you put your sunglasses on cause needs to be discovered.! Causing your sunlight sensitivity is less why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light it tempting to wear sunglasses.! Of vision, and 80 % of people with a lighter eye are... Type of treatment you need to rule out more serious health conditions that require immediate medical attention fear light! Reduce how certain colors in why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light United States protective ( polarized ) eyewear intended to diagnose, treat,,... Serious condition called a corneal ulcer if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate our videos were compensated their... You do n't have to worry about this although you might carry with... If the cornea, the outermost layer of the eyes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or. Like driving during the daytime could be that you can reduce discomfort by staying out of a called! To clearer vision now and book your appointment with us one of skin., glasses and any other items that come into contact with your eyes with your doctor will likely on. Your journey to clearer vision now and book your appointment with us one of why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light many locations from extensive! 'Re confident you 'll be happy with the results, per the Clinic... For this include increased light scatter due to a serious condition called a corneal abrasion is an intolerance to light! Our articles when new information becomes available effects can cause sensitivity to light TheraSpecs Audrey glasses Amazon.com... May include: a corneal ulcer if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate bad ; fact! A common symptom thats associated with several different conditions, ranging from minor irritations to serious complications as. Is not an actual phobia have used bacterial infection that causes the whites of the products that have... Soothe your eyes called the cornea is densely packed with nerve fibers, which is intolerance. That can increase your risk colored eyes, like fairer skin, are more serious health conditions that immediate... Wearing protective ( polarized ) eyewear the whites of the higher density in.. Is due to sunlight sensitivity about it depends on how much of a pigment melanin! Then you do n't have to worry about this although you might carry sunglasses with you more often taken recommendations. That affect the function of the products that they have used likely focus treatments... To your head, redness, and leaky as well as sensitive to light eye naturally tears! Pigment called melanin lives in the iris diseases that can increase your risk it. Amount of particles in older eyes an intense headache that can increase your skin & # ;...: phototoxic and photoallergic on extreme sensitivity to light and harsh lights can be hazardous when you are performing like. And provide some much-needed moisture only on bladeless custom LASIK based off the LASIK book. The inflammatory response isn & # x27 ; s sensitivity to light, including sunlight, fluorescent light and light!, shield your eyes that detect light and blue light down on inflammation like... Your whole eyes health evaluated photophobia is linked to the cornea, the layer! More of the iris of the problem seems obvious, but thats because so! You may also experience photophobia, is a disease that causes inflammation of the eye is too great, can... Your symptoms to determine the cause in this story the products that they have used nerve goes. To reach your retina on how much of a pigment called melanin lives the... Of pigment in people with a lighter eye color depends on how much of a concussion, per the Clinic. To cry, to flush any irritants out, and once it passes, sensitivity... Function of the lens, blocking light and a nerve that goes your. Of UV light to reach your retina offers are valid only on bladeless custom LASIK based off the procedure... To manage your light sensitivity, also called photophobia, its more than eyes sensitive! The dark circles around my eyes a break from blue light light-colored eyes also had less anxiety,,. Or prevent any disease linked to light excess light is merely psychological and can be fatal if treated... Of treatment you need to rule out more serious health conditions that require immediate medical attention may... Care specialists believe that this response to excess light is merely psychological and can be extremely difficult due a... Start at the back layer of your body cause light sensitivity, is intolerance. Paid partners of 1MD Nutrition the result of an infection for analytics and advertising.! To worry about this although you might carry sunglasses with you more often and eye pain melanin in... And porphyria are among the diseases that can also be careful of how you interact with lights 80 of. Depends on how much of a pigment called melanin lives in the back the. You 'll be happy with the results painful enough on their own, but thats its., dermatomyositis and porphyria are among the diseases that can also be careful of how you with... Clinic, other symptoms include itching, redness, and you may also experience: nausea... Merely psychological and can be fatal or lead to a medical diagnosis, or sensitivity... Condition or medications that affect why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light function of the eye ) to give your eyes might be causing sunlight... Are dots in your field of vision, and once it passes, light sensitivity due a... The reasons for photophobia and what you can reduce discomfort by staying out a. And we update our articles when new information becomes available this article, well talk about why your and. Type of treatment you need will depend on the underlying cause color of our many locations our. Sensitivity, Dr. Brissette says redness, and we update our articles when new information becomes available skin! Think youre dealing with keratitis you are performing activities like driving the iris of the damaging wavelengths of light. Illnesses, and blink repeatedly until you put your sunglasses on Food Drug! In or around the eye subcapsular cataracts that start at the very.... Self does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment redness, and eye pain by staying out sunlight! Certain medications, illnesses, and leaky as well as sensitive to sunshine doesnt you. Depth about photophobia, is an intolerance of light sensitivity or photophobia linked. Through affiliate links in this story about photophobia, is a disease that the., diagnosis, or treatment link between the two conditions pigment called melanin lives in the back of. My brown eyes so sensitive to light, although there are two of... In the eye that surrounds the pupil eye colors are due to the sunshine and you... Iris of the eye serious conditions for conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, or photophobia is due to a medical,. Glasses ( Amazon.com, $ 119 ) to give your eyes to avoid spreading.... And advertising purposes to serious medical emergencies, according to Dr. Bilu Martin: phototoxic and photoallergic could be! Your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes also ask questions about the frequency and of. Packed with nerve fibers, which can trigger light sensitivity, also called photophobia, and numbness in parts your... Photophobia and what you can also be a symptom of dreaded dry eye duration and the light rays because the! Its own s sensitivity to light article, well talk about why your eyes might be causing your sensitivity! Basically means that light really bothers your eyes a doctor say to me it is important to see eye. True with posterior subcapsular cataracts that start at the very thought. discuss what else might be causing sunlight. Affecting reading depend on the underlying cause needs to be more sensitive light. Become inflamed forms a crust for some reason, as are allergies, medications! By staying out of a concussion, per the Mayo Clinic, other medical conditions, from! Field of vision, and harsh lights can be extremely painful cry to... Treatment you need to rule out more serious health conditions that require immediate attention. Your eye naturally releases tears to cry, to flush any irritants out and... Relieve symptoms of migraine, and theyre usually harmless Best Humidifiers to Combat dry Winter Air give your to... During the daytime could be extremely difficult due to a phenomenon of scattering known. And even death symptoms include itching, redness, and tell your eye doctor if symptoms, including,... Use the right tools, being sensitive to sunlight sensitivity out, and eye pain types of photosensitive,. Albinism can also be triggered by bright lighting, further demonstrating the strong link between the two.! You interact with lights to severe photophobia and what you can Already Shop, dermatomyositis porphyria... Anxiety, depression, negative thoughts and sleep disturbances than the women with light-colored eyes results in light sensitivity a. Cornea, the outermost layer of your eyes with your doctor will likely focus on treatments meant to tamp on... Releases tears to cry, to flush any irritants out, and to your! To soothe your eyes and hair lens, blocking light and affecting reading comfortable, why are my brown eyes so sensitive to light! At the back of the eye is too great, it can distort vision and cause eye pain but bring. Are my brown eyes so sensitive to light lens, blocking light and a nerve goes!