What are light-sensitive eyes?
A light-sensitive eye reacts sensitively even at low light stimuli. For this reason, those affected avoid the light and are reluctant to go out into the sun. This situation is described in medical terminology as photophobia. Photophobia can be triggered by various basic diseases, such as neurological, psychological or ophthalmological – i.e. diseases affecting the eye. It can also occur with pain, watery eyes, headaches and dizziness.
The causes
The causes of light sensitivity in the eye are not fully understood and vary depending on the underlying diseases. The most common causes are neurological diseases. In this case, the optic nerve (nervus opticus) can be irritated by an inflammation.
This inflammation is called retrobulbar neuritis in medical terminology and can be caused by multiple sclerosis, intoxications or infectious diseases. Furthermore, migraine can also cause photobia. In addition, diseases of the eye, such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye skin) or retinitis can lead to photosensitivity.
The inflammatory reaction of the eye also leads to irritation of the optic nerve. In addition to the above-mentioned diseases, psychological triggers such as depressive episodes should also be taken into account. A vitamin deficiency as a cause is rather unlikely and only occurs later in the course of the disease.
The vitamin deficiency must have existed for a long time and has usually already triggered other symptoms before it becomes noticeable in the eyes. Vitamins that are particularly important for the eye are vitamin A and vitamin B12. A vitamin A deficiency leads to poorer vision, especially in the dark – so-called night blindness.
In addition, the eye dries out faster and becomes very sensitive. In the course of this, light sensitivity can also develop. A vitamin B12 deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to damage to peripheral nerves, the spinal cord and the brain.
Vitamin B12 is involved in building a protective sheath (myelin sheath) around the nerves. This sheath leads to an improved transmission of nerve impulses. If the sheath is damaged, these impulses can no longer be transmitted properly and sensitivity disorders and paralysis can occur.
If the optic nerve has been damaged, blurred vision and sensitivity to light will result. The thyroid gland produces hormones that are essential for the regulation of metabolic processes. If this balance is disturbed, the entire body can be affected.
Especially the eye is a sensitive organ and is often affected. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can negatively affect the eye. The most common disease in this case is the autoimmune disease Graves’ disease, which leads to hyperthyroidism and causes the so-called endocrine orbitopathy.
It leads to a protrusion of the eye and to raised eyelids. This leads to a drying of the eye and associated sensitivity. Bright light or cold drafts are painfully perceived.
Besides Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can also cause these symptoms. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is also an autoimmune disease, but it leads to an underactive thyroid gland. With a successful treatment of the basic disease or with a balanced thyroid hormone concentration, the symptoms in the eyes can be reduced.
Some people unfortunately cannot tolerate contact lenses. They suffer from reddened and itchy eyes. In addition, you may feel a foreign body in your eye and your eyelids may swell.
Due to the inflammatory reaction, the eye becomes dry, which leads to a sensitivity of the eye. Consequently, environmental stimuli such as cold air or too much light are perceived as painful. If there is a suspicion of contact lens intolerance, wearing glasses is recommended. If the symptoms recede again, an intolerance can be assumed. In this case, you should consult your optician, as a change of contact lens brand sometimes leads to an improvement.
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