Light Sensitivity: Causes, Triggers, and What You Can Do

When bright lights feel like needles in your eyes, you’re not just being picky—you’re experiencing light sensitivity, a condition where normal levels of light cause discomfort or pain. Also known as photophobia, it’s not a disease itself but a symptom tied to something deeper—like migraines, eye inflammation, or even certain medications. It’s not rare. One in three people with chronic headaches report it. And if you’ve ever had to close your eyes in a grocery store or avoid sunlight after a long night, you know how much it disrupts life.

Light sensitivity doesn’t just come from bright sun. Fluorescent lights, phone screens, car headlights, and even LED bulbs can trigger it. Often, it’s linked to migraines, a neurological condition that makes the brain overly reactive to sensory input. When a migraine is brewing, your eyes become hypersensitive—not because of damage, but because your nervous system is on high alert. It’s the same reason some people get nauseous or feel dizzy with light exposure. Other common partners include dry eyes, when your eyes don’t make enough tears to protect the surface, and conditions like uveitis or albinism. Even after eye surgery or wearing certain contact lenses, people report sudden light sensitivity. And yes, some prescription drugs, including antibiotics and antidepressants, can make your eyes more reactive.

What you do next matters more than you think. Many people just push through it—until it gets worse. But tracking triggers—like which lights bother you, when it happens, and what else is going on (stress? sleep? screen time?)—can point to the real cause. Some find relief with tinted glasses, especially FL-41 lenses designed for light sensitivity. Others manage it by adjusting indoor lighting, using blue light filters, or treating underlying issues like dry eyes with simple drops. It’s not about avoiding light forever. It’s about finding the right balance so light doesn’t control your day.

The posts below cover real cases and practical fixes—from how NSAIDs can worsen eye sensitivity, to why switching generic meds might trigger new symptoms, to how allergy meds like Zyrtec or Claritin can help if your eyes are reacting to irritants. You’ll also find tips on protecting your eyes after surgery, managing migraines linked to light, and what to ask your doctor when standard advice isn’t working. This isn’t guesswork. It’s what people are actually doing to feel better.