Causes and risk factors
Photophobia is a symptom and not a disease per se. It can be caused as a result of several ophthalmic and nervous diseases.
Ophthalmic causes: Inflammation of any part of the eye such as the iris, conjunctiva, or the eyelids can cause photophobia. Other ocular causes include coloboma, aniridia, aphakia, corneal abrasion or ulcer, cone dystrophy, cataract, glaucoma, and optic neuritis. Congenital eye diseases or trauma to the eye can also cause photophobia.
Neurological causes: Developmental disorders (autism, dyslexia) and brain infections can cause photophobia.
Drug reactions, chemotherapy, migraine, and infectious mononucleosis are other known causes.
Clinical presentation
Patients with photophobia cannot tolerate direct sunlight or even a well-illuminated room. They tend to squint or close their eyes when faced with excessive light. They prefer staying indoors in dark areas. Associated symptoms such as headache, nausea, red eye, lacrimation or others may be present depending upon the cause of photophobia.
Investigations
Photophobia is apparent on the patient’s symptoms itself; it can be confirmed by exposing the patient’s eyes to a torch-light. A complete ophthalmic and neurological investigation is essential in order to detect the cause of photophobia.
Treatment
Treatment consists of identifying and treating the underlying cause of photophobia. Until the condition is resolved, the patient is advised to wear photochromatic/tinted sunglasses (especially rose-tinted) in order to avoid direct light exposure. Patients with a chronic problem may wear prosthetic contact lenses in order to lessen the amount of light entering the eye.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor as soon as you experience intolerance to sunlight or bright light.
Systems involved
Ophthalmology, nervous
Organs involved
Eyes
