The medical term for light sensitivity

Photophobia describes a response to light, not a fear of light and not a diagnosis by itself. People may squint, shield their eyes, seek shade, or experience eye watering and headache. Causes range from dry or irritated eyes to migraine and inflammation inside the eye. Conjunctivitis can present with light sensitivity when redness, discharge, and gritty discomfort are also present.

The details help clinicians narrow the possibilities: whether one or both eyes are affected, whether pain is deep or surface-level, and whether vision has changed. Meningitis is an uncommon but urgent cause when light sensitivity occurs with fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

Tell a clinician what kind of light triggers symptoms, how quickly they start, and whether darkness relieves them. Use gentle lighting, protect irritated eyes from glare, pause contact lenses if uncomfortable, and avoid rubbing. Keep a diary if episodes recur, including headaches, nausea, redness, discharge, or visual effects.

Arrange an eye or medical assessment for persistent photophobia, significant pain, a red eye, injury, or reduced vision. Seek emergency help for sudden severe headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, or a new rash. These accompanying features need assessment without waiting to see whether dark surroundings help.

Ask what examination is needed, whether migraine or an eye disorder is more consistent with your pattern, which treatments are appropriate, and which warning signs should change the urgency.