The eye expert has said it may be common, but it could also indicate something sinister
An optician has warned people that you may need to get help if you are sensitive to light. Warning people about ‘photophobia’ – which refers to light sensitivity or an intolerance to light – they note that although it’s a common neurological condition in the UK – you may need to get it checked out asap.
Despite being common, one eye expert is now warning that this could also be a “symptom of cataracts, glaucoma and even meningitis”. Urging people to get it checked if they’re worried or it’s not your normal, Khuram Sarwar, the Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts said “getting to the root cause of the sensitivity is crucial.”
What is photophobia?
Sarwar explained: “It is a type of sensitivity to light, which is very common and not usually medically serious. However, it can be a cause for concern if it interferes with day-to-day life.”
What causes photophobia?
“There are a lot of reasons why someone might experience photophobia”, the optician said. “One of the most common triggers is migraines.
“Those who suffer from migraines often report experiencing photophobia in bright fluorescent lights or when using devices that radiate blue light, such as a computer screen or when there’s a sudden change in light levels. This feeling of light sensitivity can happen before, during or after a migraine attack.”
What many people don’t know, is that it can also be “triggered by eye conditions such as dry eyes, wearing contacts for too long or taking certain medications.”
READ MORE: Cholesterol warning sign that can be found in your toenailREAD MORE: ‘My illness baffled doctors – they gave 12 months to live’
What are the symptoms of photophobia?
Photophobia can be uncomfortable as it can cause a range of signs and symptoms. This includes:
- excessive squinting or blinking
- watery eyes
- discomfort in the eyes or head in response to sunlight or bright artificial lighting.
- severe headaches
- dizziness
If you have any of the above, the eye guru warns that it’s “important to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible” to rule out anything suspicious.
What can I do to reduce light sensitivity?
“The most effective way to manage photophobia is by using specific tints, coatings on the lenses to reduce the discomfort caused by bright lights”, the expert advises. Thankfully, you can get a variety of lenses based on your needs and likes including transition lenses, blue light protected lenses and polarised tints.
Symptom of cataracts, glaucoma and meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:
- a high temperature
- cold hands and feet
- vomiting
- confusion
- breathing quickly
- muscle and joint pain
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
- headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- being very sleepy or difficult to wake
- fits (seizures)
Babies may also:
- refuse feeds
- be irritable
- have a high-pitched cry
- have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive
- have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head
Symptoms of cataracts in adults include:
- blurred vision
- difficulty seeing at night
- difficulty reading and watching television
- your eyes being uncomfortable in, or sensitive to, light and glare
- looking at 1 object but seeing 2 (double vision)
- seeing glowing rings (halos) around lights
- colours look faded, especially blue
Sometimes glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause symptoms such as:
- intense eye pain
- a red eye
- tenderness around the eyes
- seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights
- blurred vision
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick
- a headache