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

When bright lights feel painful or overwhelming, you’re dealing with light sensitivity, a condition where normal levels of light cause discomfort or pain in the eyes. Also known as photophobia, it’s not a disease itself—but a signal that something else is going on. Whether it’s sunlight through a window, fluorescent office lights, or even phone screens, if your eyes feel like they’re burning or you need to squint constantly, you’re not alone.

Light sensitivity often shows up with other issues. For many, it’s tied to migraines, a neurological condition that can trigger intense headaches and extreme reactions to light and sound. Studies show over 80% of migraine sufferers report light sensitivity during attacks. But it’s not just migraines. dry eyes, a common problem where your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast can make your eyes more reactive to light because the surface is irritated and unprotected. Even certain medications—like some antibiotics or antidepressants—can increase light sensitivity as a side effect. And if you’ve had eye surgery, worn contact lenses too long, or spent hours staring at screens without blinking, your eyes might just be overworked.

What you’ll find in these articles isn’t guesswork or generic advice. Real people are sharing what helped them: how a simple pair of tinted glasses cut down daily discomfort, why switching from fluorescent to LED lighting made a difference at work, or how managing dry eyes with specific drops reduced their light reactions entirely. Some posts dive into how light sensitivity connects to medications like those used for hypertension or depression, while others show how conditions like cystic fibrosis or rheumatoid arthritis can indirectly make your eyes more vulnerable. You’ll see practical tips on reducing glare, choosing the right sunglasses, and when to talk to a doctor instead of just pushing through the discomfort.

This isn’t about avoiding light forever. It’s about understanding why your eyes react this way—and what real, actionable steps you can take next. Whether you’re dealing with occasional glare or daily pain, the posts below give you clear, no-fluff options based on actual experience and medical insight.

Photophobia: Understanding Light Sensitivity Causes and Effective Solutions
Wyn Davies 9 November 2025

Photophobia: Understanding Light Sensitivity Causes and Effective Solutions

Photophobia is more than just sensitivity to light-it's a symptom of underlying eye or neurological conditions. Learn the real causes, how FL-41 lenses help, and what treatments actually work.

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