Suffering from Sensitive Eyes? Learn More!

Light sensitivity is also referred to as “photophobia.” Some of us might experience this a few times throughout

our lives, whereas others suffer from this condition on a daily basis. Regardless of whether you have slight discomfort from bright lights or if you can't stand any type of light, it is a good idea to get an eye exam from your optometrist.

What Causes Sensitive Eyes in Children or Adults?

Sensitive eyes is not a disease, condition, or a disorder on its own. Rather, photophobia is a symptom or a side effect of an underlying cause or reason. Some common underlying causes or reasons why adults or children can suffer from photophobia:

• • An eye infection
• • Eye inflammation
• • Viral illness
• • Severe headache or migraine
• • Too much time spent focusing on electronics (cell phones, smartphones, video games, laptops, etc)
• • A person's eye color (people with lighter colored eyes sometimes have greater eye sensitivity issues)
• • Sunburn
• • Medications
• • Eye surgeries
• • Contact lens irritation

Symptoms of Sensitive Eyes

• • Excessive tearing of the eyes
• • Burning eyes
• • Feeling the need to squint when exposed to light
• • Feeling the need to close your eyes completely when exposed to light
• • Discomfort

Each person's symptoms will vary. Actually, some of our patients tell us they have sensitive eyes one day, but then their eyes are fine during other days throughout the week!

So it all depends on the individual patient and the underlying cause.

Our doctors will speak with you about your symptoms to determine the underlying cause. Then we can provide treatment as needed. The type of treatment for sensitive eyes heavily depends on the underlying cause.

So if you're experiencing sensitivity, come talk to one of our doctors about your symptoms. We want to take care of your symptoms so you have healthy eyes all year long!