Solutions for photophobia

Light sensitivity may accompany dry or irritated eyes, an eye infection, migraine, medication effects, or a problem affecting the eye or nervous system. [Migraine](/conditions/migraine/) may need a personalised headache plan, while [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/) may need advice about hygiene and eye treatment. The symptom guide for [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) can help you describe the pattern.

Useful clues include whether light hurts or merely feels unpleasant, whether one eye is affected, and whether there is redness, discharge, headache, nausea, or blurred vision. A solution that helps one cause may not help another, so avoid repeatedly treating yourself without finding the trigger.

Use indirect lighting, close blinds against glare, lower screen brightness, and take regular visual breaks. A wide-brimmed hat can help outdoors. Keep the room comfortably lit rather than staying in darkness all day, because gradual exposure to normal indoor light may be easier than moving suddenly from darkness into glare.

If your eyes feel dry, ask a pharmacist or clinician about suitable lubricating drops. Remove contact lenses if they cause discomfort. Keep a symptom diary covering light sources, headaches, sleep, medicines, and relief measures. Arrange a review if the problem lasts, keeps returning, or limits normal activities.

Get urgent help for sudden severe pain, a sudden change in vision, a painful red eye, an eye injury, or chemical exposure. Light sensitivity with fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, or a new rash requires emergency assessment; [Meningitis](/conditions/meningitis/) is one possible serious cause of that combination. Do not drive while vision is impaired.

Ask what is most likely triggering your sensitivity, whether your eyes need examination, which drops or lenses are suitable, and how long to try home measures. Ask for a clear plan if headaches, redness, or vision symptoms appear.