What should you know about optic neuritis photophobia?

Photophobia means that ordinary light feels uncomfortable or painful. Optic neuritis affects the optic nerve and may cause reduced vision, faded colours, or pain that worsens when the eye moves. Light sensitivity also occurs with migraine and conjunctivitis, among other causes, so the symptom alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may compare vision, colour perception, pupils, and eye movements.

Reduce glare with comfortable indoor lighting and sunglasses outdoors, but do not delay assessment if vision is changing. Note which eye is affected, whether colours look different, and whether eye movement causes pain. Avoid driving when vision is impaired. Do not use leftover eye drops unless a clinician has advised them for this episode.

Seek prompt care for new blurred or dim vision, pain with eye movement, a missing area in your vision, or symptoms that are worsening. Seek emergency help for severe headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, or a rapidly painful red eye. These features can signal conditions needing immediate treatment, including meningitis or a serious eye problem.

Ask whether the optic nerve needs testing, whether migraine or conjunctivitis could explain the symptoms, and which changes should trigger emergency review.