Photophobia is a sign of beingoversensitiveto light. It manifests as discomfort or pain in the eyes when exposed to light, even of relatively low intensity.
The causes of photophobia aren’t just related to eye disease. It should be remembered that they can be the result of some general diseases, the use of drugs, or diseases of the nervous system.
Ocular causesinclude:
- conjunctivitis_
- corneal diseases with damage to the corneal epithelium (keratitis, corneal foreign body, corneal erosions, corneal ulceration, cornealdystrophies),
- anterior uveitis(iris and ciliary body inflammation),
- inflammation of the inside of the eye (endophthalmitis),
- some retinal diseases, e.g. cone dystrophies, complete color blindness (achromatopsia),
- iris (aniridia),
- iris fissure(coloboma),
- lenslessness (aphakia),
- congenital glaucoma(goiter,buphthalmos) in children,
- vitiligo (albinism),
- complication of wearing contact lenses (inadequate hygiene, micro-injuries related to removing or putting on lenses),
- eye burns from an electric arc when welding or from exposure to sun, snow or water without adequate eye protection.
Photophobia may result from the administrationof pupil dilatorsfor diagnostic or therapeutic purposes , e.g.tropicamide, cyclopentolate,phenylephrine,atropine. It can also be aside effect of somesystemic drugs (see the package leaflet).
Photosensitivity reaction is also associated with conditions such as migraine headaches (with aura) and hangovers. It may occur in the course of some infectious diseases, such asinfluenzaorrabies.
Neurological causesinclude:
- autismspectrum diseases ,
- inflammation of the meninges or the brain
- tumors ofthe central nervous system,
- subarachnoid bleeding.
There is also a group of people who are naturally more sensitive to light.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
How common is it?
Photophobia is a symptom, not a disease in itself, so there are no statistics on its incidence. It can affect people of both genders of any age.
How is it manifested?
Sensitivity to light causes discomfort or pain in the eyes, even when the light source is not very bright. It is often accompanied by a burning sensation, stinging and excessive tearing. Patients most often instinctively blink and close their eyes.
What to do in the event of symptoms?
It is advisable to seek medical advice, especially when photophobia is associated with eye pain. It is necessary to find its cause, as many of them are of a serious nature.
How does the doctor make a diagnosis?
As a rule, a history and detailed ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity,slit lamp examination,andfundus endoscopy, are sufficient to make a diagnosis. In the case of general or neurological diseases, it may be necessary to consult an appropriate specialist.
What are photophobia treatments?
The therapy mainly consists in treating the cause of photophobia – appropriate eye disease, general or neurological diseases, or changing the medications used. Detailed information can be found in the discussion of individual diseases. Symptomatic use of sunglasses or photochromic lenses . Similarly, eye protection from light requires people who are naturally more sensitive to light.
Is it possible to recover completely?
Detailed information can be found in the discussion of individual diseases.
What do I need to do after treatment is finished?
Detailed information can be found in the discussion of individual diseases.