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

When light feels like it’s stabbing your eyes, you’re not just being sensitive—you might have photophobia, an abnormal intolerance to light that causes discomfort or pain in the eyes. Also known as light sensitivity, it’s not a disease itself, but a symptom that points to something else going on—like a migraine, an eye infection, or even a neurological issue. If you’ve ever had to close your eyes in a well-lit room, squint under fluorescent lights, or avoid sunlight even on cloudy days, you know how disruptive this can be.

Photophobia often shows up with migraines, a neurological condition that causes severe headaches and can make even normal light unbearable. Studies show over 80% of people with migraines report light sensitivity during attacks. But it’s not just migraines. eye conditions, like uveitis, corneal abrasions, or albinism, can also trigger photophobia by changing how light enters or is processed by the eye. Even after eye surgery, some people experience temporary light sensitivity as their eyes heal. And if you’re on certain medications—like antibiotics or antidepressants—photophobia can pop up as a side effect.

What makes photophobia tricky is that it doesn’t always mean your eyes are damaged. Sometimes, it’s your brain’s wiring. The nerves connecting your eyes to your brain can become overactive, especially if you have chronic pain, anxiety, or conditions like post-concussion syndrome. That’s why simply wearing sunglasses indoors might help, but won’t fix the root cause. The real solution starts with identifying what’s behind the light sensitivity. Is it a one-time flare-up after a sunburn? Or something persistent that’s been getting worse?

People who live with this daily learn to adapt—using tinted lenses, avoiding screens at night, switching to warm lighting at home, or even trying specialized glasses designed for photophobia. Some find relief with supplements like riboflavin or magnesium, especially if migraines are involved. Others need medical tests: eye pressure checks, neurological scans, or blood work to rule out autoimmune triggers.

The posts below cover real cases and practical fixes—from how photophobia links to neck pain and vertigo, to how certain medications can make it worse, and what over-the-counter options actually help. You’ll find advice on managing light sensitivity without hiding from the world, and when it’s time to see a doctor instead of just reaching for sunglasses. This isn’t about avoiding light—it’s about understanding why it hurts, and how to take back control.