why are my eyes so sensitive to light
Light‑sensitive eyes—also called photophobia —are usually a symptom , not a disease by itself. Many people notice it when they squint in sunlight, feel discomfort under fluorescent lights, or find screens painfully bright.
What “light sensitivity” actually means
Photophobia is an increased discomfort or pain in the eyes when exposed to light , from the sun, LEDs, or even normal indoor lighting. The brain can interpret this as a “threat,” which is why some people get headaches or feel like they need to close their eyes.
Common everyday causes
These are often temporary and easier to manage:
- Dry eyes from screen use, dry air, or contact‑lens wear.
- Eye strain from long hours on phones, computers, or reading.
- Allergies or irritants (pollen, smoke, makeup, or skincare products).
- Medications such as certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or blood‑pressure drugs.
- Recent eye surgery or dilation drops , which can make eyes very light‑sensitive for a day or two.
Medical or eye‑related causes
Sometimes light sensitivity points to an underlying issue that needs a doctor’s check‑up:
- Migraines or cluster headaches – light sensitivity is a classic migraine symptom.
- Eye infections or inflammation such as conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), keratitis, scleritis, or uveitis.
- Corneal problems like a scratched cornea or ulcer.
- Neurological conditions including meningitis, encephalitis, or brain injury.
If you also have headache, neck stiffness, confusion, vision changes, eye redness, or pain , treat this as urgent and seek medical care quickly.
When it might be “normal” vs. concerning
- Mild, occasional sensitivity in very bright sun or harsh indoor lighting is common and often improves with sunglasses or dimmer lights.
- New, sudden, or worsening sensitivity , especially with other symptoms (headache, nausea, vision loss, eye pain), should be evaluated by an eye doctor or GP.
Things you can try at home (if mild)
- Wear polarized sunglasses outdoors and consider blue‑light‑filtering glasses for screens.
- Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or gritty.
- Adjust lighting: reduce glare, use warmer‑tone bulbs, and avoid staring at bright screens in dark rooms.
If light sensitivity keeps coming back, gets worse, or interferes with daily life, an eye‑exam or medical check‑up is important to rule out treatable conditions.
Bottom line: “Why are my eyes so sensitive to light?” often comes down to dryness, strain, migraines, or an eye issue—but sudden or severe sensitivity with other symptoms needs prompt medical attention.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.