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DESCRIPTION
Photophobia is an abnormal or unnatural sensitivity and inability of the eyes to tolerate natural or artificial light. It is normal for the eyes to be sensitive to sudden flashes of light, like when a flashbulb goes off or when traveling from a dark room to outdoor sunlight. Any discomfort experienced in these situations usually goes away in a minute or two, but with photophobia, a sufferer can be mildly to severely sensitive to light and may experience the resulting pain and discomfort for extended lengths of time when the eyes are exposed to a light source. The condition is more common in people with light-colored eyes, and usually is not a serious problem.
CAUSES
Light sensitivity is usually due to too much light entering the eye, which causes over stimulation of the photoreceptors in the retina and subsequent excessive electric impulses to the optic nerve. This leads to a reflex aversion to light, and discomfort or pain. Too much light can enter the eye if it is damaged, such as with corneal abrasion and retinal damage, or if a pupil(s) is unable to normally constrict (seen with damage to the oculomotor nerve).
In some cases of photophobia it may be associated with irritation, inflammation or damage to the iris or conjunctiva, such as in conjunctiva or pinkeye. Photophobia is usually not a serious condition, but it can be connected to damage to the cornea, acute glaucoma, or uveitis. Uveitis is an inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the uvea. The uvea is the layer of the eye between the sclera and the retina. This layer includes the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. It can also be a prelude or symptom of developing measles or can point to a more serious infection in the nervous system, like meningitis.
Patients may develop photophobia as a result of several other different medical conditions, related to the eye or the nervous system.
- Excessive wearing of contact lenses, or wearing badly fitted contact lenses.
- Eye disease, injury, or infection such as chalazion (A cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid), episcleritis (a serious inflammatory disease that affects the white outer coating of the eye, known as the sclera), or keratoconus (a degenerative disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape.)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (Bleeding into the subarachnoid space - the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater surrounding the brain. This may occur spontaneously, usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, or may result from head injury.)
- Albinism (A form of hypopigmentary congenital disorder, characterized by a partial (in hypomelanism, also known as hypomelanosis) or total (amelanism or amelanosis) lack of melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair (or more rarely the eyes alone). Albinism results from inheritance of recessive alleles.)
- Burns to the eye.
- Migraines (See link below.)
- Encephalitis (An acute inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by a bacterial infection such as bacterial meningitis spreading directly to the brain (primary encephalitis), or may be a complication of a current infectious disease like rabies or syphilis (secondary encephalitis). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems. Lyme disease may also cause encephalitis. Bartonella henselae can also lead to this. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death.)
- Aphakia (The absence of the lens of the eye, due to surgical removal, a perforating wound or ulcer, or congenital anomaly. It causes a loss of accommodation, hyperopia, and a deep anterior chamber. Complications include detachment of the vitreous or retina, and glaucoma. Aphakic people are reported to be able to see ultraviolet wavelengths that are normally excluded by the lens.)
- Iritis (A form of anterior uveitis and refers to the inflammation of the iris of the eye.)
- Aniridia (A rare congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the eye's iris. This usually occurs in both eyes. It is associated with poor development of the retina at the back of the eye preventing normal vision development.)
- Corneal abrasion or ulcer (See link below.)
- Cataracts (See link below.)
- Retinal detachment (A disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Initial detachment may be localized, but without rapid treatment the entire retina may detach, leading to vision loss and blindness. It is a medical emergency.)
- Dilation (Naturally or chemically induced, such as during an eye exam.)
- Chiari malformation (A malformation of the brain. It consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils and the medulla through the foramen magnum, sometimes causing hydrocephalus as a result of obstruction of CSF outflow.).
- Cystinosis (A lysosomal storage disease characterized by the abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine. Cystanosis is a is a genetic disorder that typically follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Cystinosis is the most common cause of Fanconi syndrome in the pediatric age group. Fanconi syndrome occurs when the function of cells in renal tubule are impaired leading to abnormal amounts of carbohydrates and amino acids in the urine, excessive urination, and low blood levels of potassium and phosphates.)
- Anticholinergic drugs (These may cause photophobia by paralyzing the iris sphincter muscle.) Drugs such as amphetamines, atropine, cocaine, cyclopentolate, idoxuridine, phenylephrine, scopolamine, trifluridine, tropicamide, and vidarabine.
- Hangover (See link below.)
- Chikungunya (An an insect-borne virus, of the genus, Alphavirus, that is transmitted to humans by virus-carrying Aedes mosquitoes. There have been recent outbreaks of CHIKV associated with severe morbidity. CHIKV causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever. CHIKV manifests itself with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasts only two to five days. Followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities. The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.)
- Rabies (Also known as "hydrophobia", rabies is a viral zoonotic neuroinvasive disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in mammals. It is most commonly caused by a bite from an infected animal, but occasionally by other forms of contact. If left untreated in humans it is almost always fatal.)
- Asperger's Syndrome (This is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in which there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Like the more severe ASDs, it is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. Although not mentioned in standard diagnostic criteria for AS, under-developed motor skills and atypical use of language are frequently reported.) and Autism (See the link below.)
- Achromatopsia (A medical syndrome that exhibits symptoms relating to at least five separate individual diseases. Although the term may refer to acquired disorders such as color agnosia and cerebral achromatopsia, it typically refers to an autosomal recessive congenital color vision disorder, the inability to perceive color AND to achieve satisfactory visual acuity at high light levels (typically exterior daylight). The syndrome is also present in an incomplete form which is more properly defined as dyschromatopsia. The only estimate of its relative occurrence of 1:30,000 in the general population dates from the 1960s or earlier.)
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Conjunctiva (Pinkeye)
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of photophobia include a sudden aversion to sunlight or bright indoor lighting. People with photophobia will avert their eyes from direct light, or may seek shelter or a dark room or feel the need to wear sunglasses in certain lighting situations. They may have difficulty keeping the eyes open in indoor or outdoor light.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR PHOTOPHOBIA
The best treatment for light sensitivity is to treat the underlying cause. In many cases, once the triggering factor is treated, photophobia disappears. If you are taking a medication that causes light sensitivity, talk to your health care provider about discontinuing it or replacing it with another medication.
Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to protect eyes from bright sunlight. Avoid sunlight and keep the eyes covered in any lighted environment if symptoms are severe. Prosthetic contact lenses can reduce the amount of light that enters the eye, so your eyes are more comfortable. Take care of the eyes by eating a healthy diet, scheduling regular eye checkups and wearing protective goggles when operating heavy machinery or working with chemicals.
Consult with your health care provider or eye care provider if symptoms are severe, are related to an infection or irritation that needs to be treated, occurs with headaches, red eye, or blurred vision or does not go away in a day or two. Other symptoms to be reported are nausea, neck stiffness, itching, swelling, dizziness, numbness or tingling elsewhere in the body, or you have changes in hearing.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years of age, use 1/2 the recommended dosage, and for a child under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Vitamin A 50,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Needed for all eye disorders.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way - 100 Softgels,
Dry Vitamin A & D Nature's Way, 15,000/400 IU - 100 Caps,
Vitamin A, Fish Liver Oil, 25,000 IU, NOW Foods, 250 SoftgelsWith
Beta-CaroteneAs directed on label. To improve immune function and promote eye health. Antioxidants used by the body to manufacture Vitamin A as needed.
Beta Carotene, 100% Natural Dunaliella Salina, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Beta Carotene (Dry Natural), 100% Natural Dunaliella Salina, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 CapsPlus
Mixed CarotenoidsAs directed on label. Antioxidants used by the body to manufacture Vitamin A as needed.
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant Supplement, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels,Plus
LuteinAs directed on label. Lutein can help protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. Needed for all eye disorders.
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Esters, 20 mg, 60 SoftgelsAnd
ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene,
CONSIDERATIONS
See Glaucoma and/or Measles for more information about these disorders.
See Dimness or Loss of Vision for the discussion of uvetitis.
LINKS
MedlinePlus: Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
Eye Vision Care: Light Sensitivity
Photophobia
AllAboutVision.com: Photophobia (Light Sensitivity)
WrongDiagnosis: Photophobia
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for eye care and health.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.Bilberry Extract Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Helpful with many different diseases of the eyes including vascular retinal disturbances, cataracts, diabetic-induced glaucoma, myopia, and all forms of eye strain.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Essential Fatty Acids, By Deborah Lee
"Woodland Health Series". Describes the benefits and functions of the three essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.Eyebright Herb, Nature's Way, 430 mg, 100 Caps
The flowering Eyebright herb has been used since the Middle Ages by herbalists and was cultivated in monastery herb gardens.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Magnesium Citrate is an advanced chelate from which enhances absorption of magnesium by providing excellent solubility.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainNeuromins DHA Supplement (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
Neuromins brand high quality DHA Supplement is sourced from microalgae and fortified with Vitamin C and E.Once Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Synthovial Seven, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Hyalogic, 1 oz.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been proven by numerous medical studies to alleviate pain and suffering from arthritis of the knee and other joints.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.
Herbal Remedies: Photophobia Supplements, Information & Products
Herbal Remedies: Photophobia Information
Herbal Remedies: Eye Problem Information
RELATED ONLINE LINKS
How do things look to colorblind people?
What is Colorblindness & the Different Types
Colorblindness Tests
Anti-colorblind Tests: Tests For People Who Are Colorblind
Exploring Colorblindness
Colors for the Color Blind
Colorblind Web Page Filter
MoonDragon.org Website has been Color Vision Tested.
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member (such as a child) is having problems distinguishing colors or find colors confusing. This member may need to be tested for color blindness.
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
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