Pink eye and light sensitivity: what to know

Conjunctivitis irritates the thin membrane over the white of the eye and inner eyelids. Redness, watering, gritty discomfort, and swollen eyelids can make ordinary indoor light feel harsh. Light sensitivity can also occur with migraine or more serious inflammation inside or around the eye, so the symptom should be considered alongside pain and vision changes.

A red eye with mild, short-lived sensitivity is different from difficulty keeping the eye open in normal light. Contact lens wear, an eye injury, or a chemical splash changes the urgency and should be mentioned during assessment.

Rest your eyes in softer lighting and wear sunglasses outdoors if they make you more comfortable. A clean cool compress over closed eyelids may reduce irritation. Wash your hands before and after touching the face, avoid rubbing the eyes, and do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye products.

Stop wearing contact lenses until an eye professional says they are safe to use again. Do not use another person’s drops or leftover antibiotic drops; treatment depends on the cause.

Arrange prompt medical care if light sensitivity is pronounced, worsening, or accompanied by moderate or severe pain, reduced or blurred vision, a cloudy-looking cornea, marked swelling, or one-sided symptoms. Seek urgent help after an injury or chemical exposure, or if you have a severe headache, fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, or feel very unwell.

Ask whether the pattern fits conjunctivitis, migraine, or another eye problem; whether contact lenses should be avoided; and which symptoms mean you should return urgently.