Conjunctivitis and photophobia: what should you know?

Photophobia is discomfort or pain caused by light that would normally feel tolerable. With conjunctivitis, inflammation on the eye surface can make light unpleasant and may occur with redness, watering or discharge. The symptom is not specific to conjunctivitis: migraine and other eye conditions can also cause it.

A pattern of mild irritation that improves with rest is different from pain that makes you keep the eye closed. Reduced vision, a marked one-sided problem or a cloudy-looking cornea needs a clinician to examine the eye rather than relying on home care.

Move to gentle lighting, use sunglasses outdoors and rest from screens if they worsen discomfort. Keep hands away from the eyes, clean discharge with a fresh damp pad, and avoid sharing towels. Do not use leftover prescription drops. Record when the photophobia started and whether headache, nausea, fever or neck stiffness is present.

Arrange prompt assessment for significant eye pain, worsening photophobia, blurred or reduced vision, injury, or a new white or cloudy mark on the eye. Emergency help is needed for photophobia with severe headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion or a new rash, since Meningitis can be serious. Migraine is another possible cause, especially when headache and nausea follow a familiar pattern.

Ask whether the symptoms fit conjunctivitis, migraine or another eye condition; whether the cornea and vision need examination; and which changes should trigger urgent review. Tell the clinician about contact-lens use, injury, fever and headache.