Concussion and Light Sensitivity: What to Know

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, can make sunlight, bright rooms, screens, or flickering lights uncomfortable after a head injury. It may occur alongside headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, tiredness, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can change during recovery, and mental or physical exertion may make them more noticeable.

Light sensitivity is not specific to concussion. Migraine, eye irritation such as conjunctivitis, and infections such as meningitis can also cause discomfort with light. A clinician considers the injury, timing, other symptoms, medicines, and examination findings rather than using this symptom alone to identify a cause.

Rest in a comfortably dim environment, use curtains or a brimmed hat outdoors, and lower screen brightness. Avoid complete darkness for long periods if it makes returning to ordinary light harder. Reintroduce reading, screens, school, work, and exercise gradually, stopping or easing back when symptoms clearly increase.

Arrange a medical assessment after a suspected concussion, especially when light sensitivity persists or affects daily activities. Do not drive, drink alcohol, or return to contact sport until a clinician has advised that it is appropriate. Keep a note of triggers, associated symptoms, and whether symptoms are improving or worsening.

Seek emergency help after a head injury for worsening or severe headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, fainting, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, unequal pupils, or new difficulty walking. Get urgent assessment for neck stiffness, fever, or a rash with marked light sensitivity, because these symptoms can occur with serious infection.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if symptoms are not settling, return after improving, or prevent normal activities. New vision loss, significant eye pain, or a very red eye also needs prompt assessment rather than being attributed to concussion.

Ask whether your symptoms fit concussion and whether an eye or neurological assessment is needed. You can also ask which activities to limit, how to return to work or study, when driving may be safe, and what changes should prompt urgent review.