Why does migraine cause light sensitivity?

Light Sensitivity is a very common presentation of Migraine. During an attack, signals from the eyes can interact with brain pathways involved in pain. Light that is comfortable at other times may feel glaring, painful or exhausting, and it can aggravate head pain or nausea.

This symptom is often called photophobia. It does not necessarily mean an eye problem: a migraine attack can alter how the brain handles normal sensory input. Bright sunlight, fluorescent lighting, reflections and flickering screens can each be troublesome, although triggers vary from person to person.

Lower the light level around you, close curtains, use a hat or sunglasses outdoors, and turn down screen brightness. Choose a calm room and take breaks from visually demanding tasks. If a screen is essential, increase text size and reduce reflections rather than straining to see.

Follow your established migraine treatment plan early in an attack. Keeping a note of the setting, visual triggers, other symptoms and treatment response can help a clinician distinguish a recurring migraine pattern from a new problem.

Seek urgent assessment for a sudden severe headache, a new loss of vision, a painful red eye, new weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, fever with a stiff neck, seizure, or symptoms after a head injury. These need evaluation even if you have had migraine before.

Book a medical review if light sensitivity is new, persists between attacks, comes with eye pain or a change in vision, or your usual migraine pattern changes. An eye and neurological assessment may be appropriate.

Ask whether your light sensitivity fits your migraine pattern, whether an eye examination is needed, and which treatment should be used at the earliest symptoms. Bring details of screen exposure, lighting, visual symptoms and medicines you have tried.