Photosensitivity refers to an increased sensitivity of the eye to the effects of light. As a result of the sensitivity, symptoms such as headache or eye pain occur.
What is photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity refers to an increased sensitivity of the eye to the effects of light. As a result of the sensitivity, symptoms such as headache or eye pain occur. Photosensitivity, also called photophobia or photophobia, is a collective medical term for increased sensitivity of the eyes triggered by the influence of natural or artificial light. The light, to the absorption of which vision is tied, is absorbed by nerve cells in the eye. Nerve cells convert the light impulses and transmit them to the brain. If the conversion and transmission process does not run smoothly, impairments occur, including light sensitivity. Neurologically, light sensitivity is synonymous with photosensitivity, the brain‘s increased readiness to react to light irradiation. In particular, light-dark contrasts, such as those seen on television, in video games or at the disco, trigger an increased readiness to react in the brain. In epileptics, exposure to such light sources can, in the worst case, lead to an epileptic seizure. Dermatologically, one sometimes also speaks of photosensitivity. In photosensitivity of the skin, abnormal reactions to UVA and UVB light occur. Lesions form on the skin, similar to the symptoms of dermatitis. With some medications, increased photosensitivity occurs as a side effect.
Causes
Exactly what causes photosensitivity is not clear. Presumably, there is increased nerve impulses in the ocular optic nerve. There is no clear reason for this; rather, photosensitivity can have numerous different causes, most notably eye disease or injury, as well as neurological disease. Short-term sensitivity to light may be caused by irritation due to foreign bodies in the eye or may accompany a cold. Among eye diseases, corneal inflammation (keratitis) is a common cause of photosensitivity because the sensitive nerve endings in the cornea are highly sensitive to inflammation. When the cornea is irritated in this way, even minor exposure to light is enough to cause severe pain. Another cause can be an anterior uveitis, an inflammation of the iris. In addition to the iris, the ciliary bodies are also affected. Since sensors are located here that measure light intensity and regulate incident light levels via the pupillary reflex, inflammation leads to photosensitivity. Other eye diseases that can lead to photosensitivity include:
- Conjunctivitis
- Cataract
- Glaucoma
Neurological diseases or consequences of injuries are also candidates for photosensitivity. Diseases associated with photosensitivity are:
- Chronic sleep disorders
- Migraine
- Shingles
- Concussion
- Meningitis (meningitis)
- And in rare cases brain tumors
Other, although rare, causes of photosensitivity may include:
Diseases with this symptom
- Conjunctivitis
- Cataract
- Brain tumor
- Albinism
- Meningism
- Vitamin deficiency
- Glaucoma
- Uveitis
- Meningitis
- Color blindness
- Porphyria
- Measles
- Migraine
- Shingles
- Concussion
- Bloom Syndrome
- Corneal inflammation
- Blood poisoning
Diagnosis and course
Photosensitive people usually intuitively avoid direct sunlight. Painful eyes and headaches possibly caused by light exposure are indications of photosensitivity. Avoiding direct exposure to light, for example by wearing sunglasses, reduces light intensity and may provide short-term relief. However, if there is a more serious condition behind the photosensitivity, this measure will not provide lasting relief.Consultation with an ophthalmologist can provide more detailed information as to whether the eye is directly diseased. If this is not the case, other specialists must be consulted. Since photosensitivity usually does not occur as an isolated phenomenon but as an accompanying symptom, the actual cause must be determined in order to treat it appropriately.
Complications
Light sensitivity (photophobia) can be caused by both external influences and diseases of the eye, which have various complications. Also, dilation of the pupils, which can happen in migraine or oculomotor nerve palsy, causes headaches due to the increased incidence of light and there is a reduction in vision. For example, sunburn can cause photophobia, this heals after one to two weeks without any complications in mild cases. Some sunburns can leave scars. It also ages the skin much faster and the risk of developing skin cancer is drastically increased with frequent sunburns. Corneal inflammation (keratitis) can also have serious complications. With appropriate treatment, this heals quickly. If left untreated, a superinfection can develop, with additional pathogens infecting the eye. In the worst cases, it can cause scarring of the cornea, which can reduce vision and lead to blindness. A cataract can also lead to blindness if left untreated. An epileptic seizure can also lead to photosensitivity. The most feared complication of epilepsy is status epilepticus, a prolonged seizure accompanied by loss of consciousness. This emergency should be treated immediately, as the mortality of status epilepticus cica is ten percent.
When should you go to the doctor?
Light sensitivity is only a problem that needs to be evaluated by a doctor in some cases. What is relevant is when the sensitivity to light occurs. Photosensitivity in very bright daylight or bright artificial light is normal. This reaction is a protective function of the human body to protect the sensory organs from damage. Therefore, there is no need to see a doctor if the symptom occurs in this context. In some diseases, sensitivity to light occurs as a concomitant symptom. This is the case, for example, with migraine. If the symptom disappears when the underlying disease subsides, a visit to the doctor is not necessary. If the light sensitivity persists, an appointment should be made to be on the safe side. However, behind photosensitivity can also be serious diseases that need to be treated. Photosensitivity in normal or even dark light conditions should be examined by a physician. It is possible that there is damage to the eyes. If there are other complaints in addition to light sensitivity, a medical professional should also be consulted. These complaints include headaches, blurred or limited vision, or severe tension in the muscles of the face. If, in addition to light sensitivity, pain occurs during vision or watery eyes, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately. In this case, damage to the eye cannot be ruled out and prompt treatment should be sought.
Treatment and therapy
Superficially, sunglasses will help with light sensitivity. However, blotting out the symptoms is not a treatment. To truly treat light sensitivity, it is imperative to find out the actual cause of the symptoms and treat it accordingly. If the light sensitivity is not due to lack of sleep or stress and disappears after a short time, a possible disease or dysfunction of the eye must be clarified by an ophthalmologist. With appropriate drug treatment, there is a good chance of rapid relief. In the case of neurological causes of photosensitivity, such as epilepsy, medication helps to suppress sensitivity to light. The accompanying symptoms of severe light sensitivity, such as severe headaches, can also be treated with pain medications. If other medications trigger the sensitivity, they may be changed after consultation with the doctor.
Outlook and prognosis
Eye diseases caused by light are grouped under the term photosensitivity.Sufferers usually remedy this by wearing sunglasses. Whether artificial or natural light, sufferers find it unpleasant or painful. Since photosensitivity can have many causes, the prognosis depends on the treatment option for the trigger. Frequently, corneal inflammation is the reason for photosensitivity. This can be treated by eye drops or medical ointments. The cornea is interspersed with many sensitive nerves, which react particularly strongly to stimuli. Foreign bodies that injure the cornea can cause considerable discomfort. Intuitively, the sufferer avoids bright light. Once the inflammation has subsided, normal tolerance returns. Migraine, organic diseases of the eye or brain can also trigger photosensitivity. Depending on the severity, the prognosis varies. Allergies such as hay fever also trigger intolerance to light in many sufferers. Sun intensifies the allergic reaction, causing the sufferer to suffer even more from watery eyes or sneezing fits. Colds are also typical triggers for photosensitivity. Because the symptoms are intensified by light, the patient avoids bright light sources. Once the cold has subsided or the migraine attack has passed, sunlight no longer has any unpleasant consequences. Eye drops that moisten the irritated eye are helpful.
Prevention
Because photosensitivity can have variable causes, there are several prophylactic measures. In general, light-sensitive people should wear sunglasses and avoid direct sunlight. Observance of hygiene measures such as regular hand washing, especially before contact with the eye, protects against a large proportion of direct eye infections. For epileptics and people with neurally induced photosensitivity, avoid harmful light sources, such as strobe lights.
Here’s what you can do yourself
In many cases, it is relatively difficult to determine what causes a person’s light sensitivity. It can occur due to psychological symptoms or due to chronic symptoms, which is why self-help methods are relatively limited. However, in most cases it is advisable to seek psychological counseling. Thereby the causes for the light sensitivity can be clarified and thus the symptom can be treated. Those who suffer from photosensitivity need to protect their eyes from the sun’s rays. This often results in complications in one’s life. The patient must wear sunglasses with UV protection and generally avoid stress and lack of sleep, as these symptoms only increase the photosensitivity. Darkened rooms should also always be taken care of. If the light sensitivity is very severe or leads to severe pain, it is essential to consult a doctor. Self-help methods are relatively limited for photosensitivity and can only cause photosensitivity to worsen. Often, a healthy lifestyle has a positive effect on the course of the disease. This definitely includes a healthy diet and taking up a sporting activity. However, whether this can limit the symptom cannot be universally predicted.
