Eyes sensitive to light with a headache: what should you know?

Bright light may feel painful when the nervous system is sensitised during a migraine. Headache with light sensitivity can also occur with a common cold, COVID-19, allergic rhinitis, or sinus inflammation, particularly when congestion or facial pressure is present. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, poor sleep, eye strain, and anxiety can worsen headache symptoms. Fever, a stiff neck, rash, marked drowsiness, or a new neurological symptom changes the level of concern and needs prompt assessment.

Rest in a quiet, dim room and reduce phone or computer brightness. Drink fluids if you can do so safely, eat a light meal if you have missed one, and use a cool cloth on the forehead. Follow the label for any familiar pain medicine and avoid taking repeated doses beyond the instructions. Keep a note of triggers, duration, associated nausea, congestion, fever, visual symptoms, and medicines. Avoid driving while vision or alertness is affected.

Call emergency services for a sudden, severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, or loss of vision. Seek urgent assessment for headache with fever and a stiff neck, a new rash, repeated vomiting, a painful red eye, or symptoms after a head injury. Arrange medical review for a first or changing pattern of headaches, headaches that keep returning, or pain that does not improve.

Ask whether the pattern suggests migraine, an infection, dehydration, or an eye problem, and which treatments are safe for you. Bring a symptom diary and mention pregnancy, recent illness, heat exposure, new medicines, visual changes, nausea, fever, and neurological symptoms.