Causes of light sensitivity headaches

Migraine commonly presents with sensitivity to light, throbbing or pulsing head pain, nausea, and a need to rest in a quiet room. Conjunctivitis can make light uncomfortable when the eye is red, watery, itchy, or sticky. Light sensitivity can also follow eye strain or another eye problem. Meningitis can present with severe headache and light sensitivity alongside fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, or marked drowsiness. The combination alone cannot distinguish these causes. Note whether symptoms affect one eye or both, whether the headache came suddenly, and whether there are visual changes or weakness.

Rest in a dim, quiet room and reduce screen brightness while symptoms are active. Drink fluids if you can, and record triggers such as missed meals, poor sleep, glare, or strong smells. Follow the label for any familiar pain medicine and avoid taking it repeatedly without medical guidance. Do not use another person’s eye drops, particularly if the eye is painful or vision is reduced. Arrange a clinical review when headaches recur, change pattern, or prevent normal activities.

Get emergency help for a sudden, severe headache, new confusion, fainting, seizure, weakness, trouble speaking, or loss of vision. Seek urgent assessment when headache and light sensitivity occur with fever, a stiff neck, repeated vomiting, or a rapidly worsening illness. A painful red eye, halos around lights, or significant visual change also needs prompt attention. These warning signs are not proof of one condition, but delay can be unsafe.

Ask whether the pattern fits migraine, an eye condition, or another cause. Tell the clinician when the headache starts, how long it lasts, where it hurts, and whether nausea, fever, eye redness, or visual symptoms occur. Ask which symptoms require emergency care and whether a headache diary or eye examination would help.