Photophobia

Photophobia is an eye condition that means your eyes are very sensitive to light. Sunlight or light from light bulbs can make your eyes hurt. You might have to squint or cover your eyes, even in dim light.

It also can take a long time for your eyes to adjust from low light to bright light. This condition can happen in one eye or both eyes.

Follow these instructions at home:

Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to help with your discomfort:

• Take or apply over-the-counter or prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. These include eye drops.
• Stay away from flickering lights.
• Avoid bright lights.
• Protect your eyes from the light. When you are outside, wear an eye patch, sunglasses, or a hat that has a wide brim.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your eyes feel dry or itchy.
• You have eye pain in one eye or both eyes.
• You have discharge coming from one eye or both eyes.
• Your condition does not improve.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe eye pain even when you are not in bright lights.
• You have photophobia and you also have:
  • Blurry vision.
  • A headache.
  • Red eyes.
• You have neck pain.