What is photophobia caused by?

Light sensitivity can happen when the eye surface is inflamed, the pupil cannot adjust comfortably, or the brain is processing visual signals more intensely. Dry eyes, corneal irritation, conjunctivitis, and migraine are possible explanations. A deficiency is not the usual explanation, although poor nutrition or another illness can affect general health and deserve assessment if your diet is restricted or you have other symptoms.

Notice whether the problem affects one or both eyes, began suddenly, follows a headache, or comes with redness, discharge, blurred vision, or nausea. These details help separate a surface eye problem from a migraine or a more urgent cause. Explore [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) for a broader symptom guide.

Reduce glare with a hat, curtains, or indirect indoor lighting, and take breaks from bright screens. Do not stare at the sun or use someone else’s eye drops. If contact lenses worsen the discomfort, remove them and use glasses until an eye professional advises otherwise. Keep a short record of triggers, headache symptoms, medicines, and how long each episode lasts.

Arrange a clinical review if sensitivity keeps returning, interferes with work or driving, or is accompanied by eye pain. The clinician may check the eye surface, vision, pupils, and medication history before deciding whether further tests are needed.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe eye pain, a marked change in vision, injury, chemical exposure, or a very painful red eye. Light sensitivity with severe headache, fever, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, or a new rash needs emergency assessment because [Meningitis](/conditions/meningitis/) is one condition that can present with this combination. A recurring headache pattern may fit [Migraine](/conditions/migraine/), while discharge and irritation can occur with [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/).

Ask: Could an eye-surface problem, migraine, medicine, or nutritional issue explain my sensitivity? Do I need an eye examination? Which symptoms should send me to urgent care? Should I pause contact lenses or any current medicine, and what is safe to use for comfort?