Blurry vision and light sensitivity: what to know

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, can occur when the surface of the eye is irritated or inflamed. Conjunctivitis may cause redness, watering, discharge and discomfort in bright surroundings. Migraine can cause visual disturbance and light sensitivity, sometimes before head pain. A sudden change in vision, marked eye pain, a very red eye, halos around lights, or a severe headache needs more cautious assessment because these features can accompany serious eye or neurological conditions.

Move to softer lighting and avoid driving while your vision is blurred. Remove contact lenses and do not rub the eye. Resting in a quiet, dim room may help if migraine symptoms are familiar, but do not assume a new or unusual episode is migraine. Arrange a clinical assessment if symptoms persist, recur, affect one eye, or interfere with normal activities. Do not use someone else’s eye drops.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden or worsening vision loss, severe eye pain, a new unequal pupil, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, fever with a stiff neck, or a painful red eye. These warning signs can occur with conditions such as meningitis or an acute eye emergency and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask what might be causing the blur, whether both eyes are involved, whether you need an eye examination, and which symptoms should prompt immediate return. Mention contact-lens use, recent injury, new medicines, headache history, nausea, discharge and the exact time the change began.