Do you wear your sunglasses at night, not because you are just that cool, but because you are extremely sensitive to light? You may have a condition known as photophobia. The term does not refer to a fear as the “phobia” suffix may seem to indicate, but rather it is a severe sensitivity to bright light which can result in discomfort and even pain. You may have experienced pain and discomfort while looking at a bright light, perhaps when someone shined a flashlight in your face unexpectedly or when you had to undergo an eye exam. For people with photophobia, this discomfort can result from lights that don’t ordinarily disturb others, including natural outdoor light, overhead lighting and more.
Living with photophobia
I have dealt with sensitivity to light all my life, although my own condition is not as severe as that of some others I have known. I once knew someone who could not even stand to look at traffic signals without tearing up because the light caused pain. Living with photophobia can be complicated, especially if you are required to do things in the presence of bright light.
One strategy for coping with photophobia is to employ UV protective sunglasses. These can help in daylight situations, and the larger, wraparound styles give even more protection from the light. Another coping strategy is to avoid situations where bright lights are unavoidable. If possible, I try to avoid driving on undivided highways at night because the oncoming headlights cause me to wince in pain. Of course, these methods of dealing with photophobia can only help so much, because it’s hard to live in the shadows full time.
Treating photophobia
According to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, treatment for photophobia should be focused on the cause of the condition, because photophobia itself is really just a symptom of an underlying problem. Indeed, there are many, many potential causes of photophobia, including abrasions and other injuries, medications, health conditions, and even genetic disorders. Or it could be the result of your unique physical makeup.
An examination by an eye doctor can help determine the cause of your sensitivity and perhaps improve your condition. The answer may be as simple as changing a medication or treating a corneal abrasion. Or your photophobia could be the clue that alerts doctors to another treatable condition, such as the brain lesion that caused the sensitivity in one 13-year-old boy. Or, like me, you might simply learn better ways to cope with the condition, as it is a part of you that is not going away.
For more information on photophobia, its causes and a checklist of questions your doctor is likely to ask, check out the National Institutes of Health photophobia page. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about this or any symptom that causes you discomfort and pain. Depending on the cause, the solution could be easier than you might think.
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