Light sensitivity (photophobia)

This page contains a summary of our information on light sensitivity. For our full information, download our factsheet:

If a person has a reduced tolerance to light, they are light sensitive (photophobic). In some situations, the lighting around you can cause discomfort or make it harder for you to see as clearly as usual. Lighting which causes discomfort or makes it harder to see is causing glare. Light sensitivity and glare can be closely related.

Glare can be a problem if

• a light is too bright for you.
• it’s coming from the wrong source.
• it is not in the right place.

The two types of glare that can cause a person difficulty are:

• discomfort glare – this is when a light source is too bright for your eyes. This may cause you to screw up your eyes, shade them or even close them. However, this does not make your sight more blurred.
• disability glare – this means it’s more difficult to see clearly because of a light source. Disability glare doesn’t necessarily cause discomfort, but it can reduce how much detail you can see. It reduces contrast, making it trickier to see objects against their background. If the glare is very intense, there will be a greater impact on how well you can see due to being ‘dazzled’.

The brighter a light is, the more glare it can cause. In certain circumstances, some people can experience both types of glare at the same time.

Everyone experiences some degree of light sensitivity and glare from time to time. It’s normal to be more light sensitive (photophobic) in very bright, sunny conditions.

However, some people experience light sensitivity more of the time and even in everyday lighting conditions. There may also be situations which cause greater difficulty than others.

You’re more likely to experience light sensitivity:

• if you have an underlying eye condition. Almost any eye condition can cause some degree of light sensitivity. Some eye conditions can make light scatter inside the eye. This can reduce the quality of vision and cause glare. Having an eye condition can mean someone feels more photophobic either most of the time or only in certain situations.
• if you take certain medication regularly over a long period of time. Examples include long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, acne medication, diuretics (water tablets).
• when having a migraine. People who suffer from migraine tend to be more sensitive to light, particularly during a migraine episode. Sometimes, certain types of light or light patterns can trigger a migraine.
• if you have certain general health conditions. Examples include blepharospasm (muscle spasms in the eyelids), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), fibromyalgia, stroke, traumatic brain injury.

Some people have light sensitivity which does not have any underlying medical cause. Typically, their sensitivity will be longstanding. The medical term for an unknown cause is ‘idiopathic’.

Whether your light sensitivity is idiopathic or caused by an underlying condition, your symptoms can still be managed in similar ways.

Various eye health professionals may be involved in helping you manage your light sensitivity. Who you see can depend on whether there is an underlying medical cause for your symptoms. The eye health professionals who can help may include:

• your optometrist (optician) – who is qualified to examine your eyes and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
• a dispensing optician – who is qualified to fit, supply and advise on glasses frames and lenses.
• an ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor) – who diagnoses and treats eye conditions.
• your GP – who can help and advise you regarding any general medical conditions you may have.

It’s important to see an optometrist (optician) if you are sensitive to light, so they can examine your eyes. They will be able to check for any underlying eye condition which can cause light sensitivity and glare.

It's important to be checked as soon as possible if:

• your light sensitivity comes on suddenly.
• your pre-existing light sensitivity worsens.

Although less common, more severe and sudden light sensitivity can be the first sign of a serious condition, such as meningitis. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to have any new symptoms checked as soon as possible by a doctor or optometrist.

If your light sensitivity is being caused by an underlying eye condition, your symptoms can improve if the eye condition can be treated.

Unfortunately, not all eye conditions can be treated. However, there are still ways of helping you cope better with the light sensitivity and glare you have.

The best way to manage light sensitivity and glare is to limit the amount of light entering your eyes. This can be done by shading them with your hand, wearing a baseball cap or a wide brimmed hat, or shading beneath an umbrella or parasol. Wearing sunglasses or tinted eye shields is often helpful too. Your optometrist, dispensing optician or low vision specialist will be able to advise you further about the lens types that may work best for you.

Ultraviolet (UV) light protection

It’s important to protect your eyes from harmful UV light contained in sunlight. This is important for everyone, with or without having an underlying eye condition. All sunglasses should have an UV filter. Having a darker lens does not mean it will provide more UV protection.

To ensure your sunglasses offer the proper level of UV protection, make sure they meet the British Standard. For non-prescription sunglasses, this is BS EN 1836:2005. For prescription sunglasses, this is BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013. All sunglasses should carry the “UKCA” or “CE” mark.

Many clear prescription glasses and contact lenses have some UV filtering properties. However, speak to your optometrist and dispensing optician about how to protect your eyes further.

Children’s eyes need UV protection as much as adults’ eyes do. Speak to your dispensing optician about the best way to protect your child’s eyes.

Sunglasses and driving

If you drive, it is important to get advice from your optometrist on the level of tint to wear when you’re driving. This is important as your lenses need to let in enough light to drive safely and meet DVLA regulations. The Highway Code warns against using any form of tinted glasses, lens or visors that restrict vision at night or in poor visibility conditions.

By law, sunglasses should be labelled with a filter category number. This relates to how much light they let through. Categories 0-3 are suitable for daytime driving only and should not be used for nighttime driving. Filter category 4 sunglasses are very dark and should not be used for either day or nighttime driving.

You can find out more information on how to manage light sensitivity and glare by downloading our full factsheet.

The optometrist and dispensing optician

Your local optometrist and dispensing optician can help with light sensitivity and glare. They can explain the different lens options available which may help you. They can also advise on frames and make sure they are the most suitable style and fit for you.

The low vision clinic

A low vision assessment can be helpful if you have sight loss. Your ophthalmologist, optometrist or GP can refer you to your local low vision clinic. A low vision specialist can help adults and children with sight loss make the most of their remaining vision. This can include advice on managing light sensitivity and glare. They may suggest different types of eye shields to find out which are the most helpful.

The low vision specialist can also advise on the best use of lighting. This can help make the most of your sight, whilst minimising glare as much as possible.

A local sight loss society resource centre

You may be able to try out a range of eye shields at your local sight loss society resource centre. There may also be the opportunity to try out other equipment to help with daily living. Your optometrist or GP should be able to tell you more about your local sight loss society.