How to reduce light sensitivity

Light sensitivity, also called photophobia, means ordinary light feels uncomfortable or painful. It can occur with a migraine, an irritated or inflamed eye, or an infection such as conjunctivitis. Some people notice it after poor sleep, eye strain, or a change in vision. The timing matters: note whether it affects one or both eyes, whether there is redness or discharge, and whether headache, nausea, fever, or a stiff neck occurs.

Move to softer, indirect lighting and reduce glare from windows or screens. Increase text size rather than leaning closer, take regular screen breaks, and keep displays at a comfortable distance. Outdoors, use sunglasses that feel comfortable without making you stay in darkness all day. A cool clean cloth over closed eyes may soothe irritation. Do not use someone else’s eye drops, and avoid contact lenses while an eye is red or painful until an eye professional advises you.

Seek urgent care for severe eye pain, sudden vision loss or change, an injury, a very red eye with marked sensitivity, or light sensitivity with fever and a stiff neck. Prompt assessment is also needed if symptoms are new, persistent, or limited to one eye. A clinician may examine the eye, check vision, and ask about headaches, medicines, and recent illness before recommending treatment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an eye problem or migraine, which drops are suitable, and whether your vision needs checking. Mention the light sources that trigger symptoms, how quickly discomfort starts, and any redness, discharge, headache, or nausea.