Dry eye and an unstable tear film
An irregular surface scatters light, which is experienced as glare and discomfort.
Symptoms
Why Are My Eyes Sensitive to Light?
Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is a real signal rather than a preference. Here is what commonly drives it and when it needs prompt care.
Key takeaways
- Light sensitivity is a genuine symptom, not a preference or a sensitivity to brightness alone.
- When it sits alongside dryness, treating the ocular surface usually reduces the glare.
- Sudden, severe or one-sided light sensitivity with pain needs prompt medical care.
- Wearing sunglasses indoors for long periods can make sensitivity worse over time.
Quick answer
Why are my eyes sensitive to light?
Light sensitivity, known clinically as photophobia, means normal light levels feel uncomfortable or painful. It is a genuine signal rather than a preference, and it usually comes from either an irritated ocular surface or an underlying inflammatory or neurological cause. Mild light sensitivity that tracks with dryness and screen time is common and usually manageable. Light sensitivity that appears suddenly, is severe, or comes with pain, redness or vision changes should be assessed promptly rather than managed at home.
Common reasons your eyes are sensitive to light
Corneal surface irritation
Abrasions, erosions and epithelial damage make the cornea more sensitive to light.
Inflammation inside the eye
Iritis and uveitis are important causes and need prompt medical care.
Blepharitis and Demodex
Chronic lid margin inflammation can lower the comfort threshold for light.
Migraine
Light sensitivity is a common feature during and between attacks.
Contact lens overwear
Reduced oxygen and surface stress increase sensitivity.
After procedures
Temporary light sensitivity is expected after dilation and after many eye procedures.
Light sensitivity by pattern
The pattern points at what to do next. Some of these need same-day care rather than home management.
- Glare on screens, worse late in the dayOften points toward tear film instability. Read next: the dry eye guide.
- Sensitivity with grittiness and burningOften points toward ocular surface disease. Read next: Why do my eyes burn.
- Sudden, severe, one eye, deep achePossible intraocular inflammation. Seek prompt medical care.
- With headache, nausea, visual auraPossible migraine. Discuss with your physician.
- After an injury or chemical splashPossible corneal injury. Seek prompt medical care.
- Only in contact lensesOften points toward lens related surface stress. Speak to your fitter.
Where to start
Treating the surface usually reduces the glare
When light sensitivity sits alongside dryness, treating the surface usually reduces the glare. Preservative-free lubricating drops through the day, lid hygiene where the lids are involved, and a warm compress routine are the standard starting points. Good quality sunglasses outdoors and reduced screen glare help while the surface recovers.
Browse preservative-free drops, lid hygiene and warm compresses.
Common starting points for light sensitivity
Listed in order of how often Dry Eye Rescue customers buy them. Descriptions are the manufacturer's own.
OptaseOptase Intense Preservative Free Eye Drops (9.75 mL / 0.33 fl oz, 300 Drops)
About the ProductOptase Intense Preservative Free Eye Drops are a preservative free over the counter...
$23.95
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Oasis MedicalOasis Tears Plus Preservative-Free Eye Drops (10ml Multi-drop Bottle)
About the ProductOasis Tears PF Plus is a preservative free lubricant eye drop supplied in...
$24.95
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AvenovaAvenova® Hypochlorous Spray Solution
About the ProductA lid and lash cleansing spray supplied in a 20ml airtight glass bottle...
$29.99
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OptaseOptase Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes - Preservative Free wipes Box of 30
About the ProductOPTASE Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes are supplied as a box of 30...
$17.95
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BruderBruder Moist Heat Eye Compress, Microwave Activated, Reusable
About the ProductA reusable fabric eye compress that is heated in a microwave and applied...
$22.95
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OptaseOptase MGD Advanced Preservative Free Eye Drops (10 mL, 300 Drops)
About the ProductThese are a preservative free over the counter ocular lubricant supplied in a...
$23.95
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A simple routine while you get assessed
-
Use preservative-free lubricating drops
Through the day, as directed.
-
Wear sunglasses outdoors
Including on overcast days.
-
Lower screen brightness to match the room
And reduce glare sources behind your screen.
-
Add a warm compress and lid cleaning routine
If your lids are also involved.
-
Keep a short log of when the sensitivity is worst
Which helps your eye care professional.
When light sensitivity needs medical attention
Seek prompt care if the sensitivity is sudden or severe, affects one eye, or comes with eye pain, deep aching, marked redness, reduced vision, a headache unlike your usual pattern, injury or chemical exposure. Photophobia is one of the symptoms where a same-day assessment is often the right call.
Dry eye exams and testing explains what an assessment involves.
Common mistakes with light sensitivity
- Wearing sunglasses indoors for long periods, which can increase sensitivity over time
- Treating a sudden, painful, one-sided episode at home
- Using redness-relief drops instead of lubrication
- Continuing contact lens wear through a painful, light-sensitive episode
- Assuming it is only screens when the pattern includes pain or vision change
Related guides
Keep reading.
Symptom
Why Do My Eyes Burn?
What burning and stinging usually mean, and how to calm it.
Read the guide
Guide
Your Complete Guide to Dry Eye
Causes, testing, treatment and everyday care.
Read the guide
Testing
Dry Eye Exams and Testing
What an assessment actually involves.
Read the guide
Symptom
Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty?
The sandy, foreign-body feeling and what drives it.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What is photophobia?
Photophobia is the clinical term for light sensitivity, where normal light levels feel uncomfortable or painful. It has many causes, from ocular surface irritation to inflammation inside the eye.
Can dry eye cause light sensitivity?
Yes. An irregular tear film scatters light, which is commonly experienced as glare and discomfort, particularly on screens and while driving at night.
Is light sensitivity ever an emergency?
It can be. Sudden or severe sensitivity in one eye, especially with pain, deep aching, marked redness or reduced vision, should be assessed the same day.
Should I wear sunglasses indoors?
Generally no. Sunglasses outdoors are helpful, but long periods of indoor sunglass wear can lower the comfort threshold further over time.
Why am I light sensitive after an eye appointment?
Dilating drops widen the pupil and let in more light, so temporary sensitivity for several hours afterwards is expected.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional or healthcare provider. If your light sensitivity is severe, sudden, one-sided, painful, or comes with vision changes, marked redness, discharge, injury or chemical exposure, seek prompt medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
