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Sensitivity to light

Also called: Photophobia, light sensitivity, eyes hurt in bright light

Sensitivity to light (photophobia) is eye discomfort or pain in bright light. It's common with migraines, eye infections, dry eyes, and after eye exams. Light sensitivity with a bad eye pain, a red eye, or blurry vision, or with a stiff neck and fever, needs urgent care.

Common causesMigraines, eye irritation, dry eye, contact lenses, eye infections
Usually serious?Usually not, but can be with eye pain or a stiff neck
Get checked ifIt's severe, painful, or comes with a red eye or blurry vision
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Light sensitivity is common, and for many people it isn't due to any disease. It falls into three general groups: an eye problem, certain types of headaches (especially migraines), or a side effect of medicines.

Light sensitivity caused by an eye problem can be severe and cause bad eye pain, even in low light. Inflammation inside the eye (iritis), a scratched or infected cornea, and contact lens problems can all cause this and need prompt treatment.

When to get medical care

Call 911Light sensitivity with a stiff neck, fever, and severe headache (possible meningitis). Sudden severe headache with light sensitivity and confusion or vomiting. A chemical splashed in the eye: rinse with water for 15 minutes, then call.
Get care todayModerate to severe eye pain, even in dim light. Light sensitivity with a red eye, blurry vision, or a feeling of something in the eye. A sore or white spot on the eye, especially if you wear contacts. Light sensitivity after an eye injury.
See a doctor soonLight sensitivity that's severe, like needing sunglasses indoors. Light sensitivity with headaches, red eye, or blurred vision. Light sensitivity that doesn't go away in a day or two. Light sensitivity with numbness or tingling elsewhere in the body, or hearing changes.

Causes

Common causes include migraine headaches, dry eye, eye strain, wearing contact lenses too long or ones that fit poorly, a scratched cornea, pink eye, having your eyes dilated for an exam, and some medicines and drugs. Other causes include iritis or uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), a corneal ulcer, burns to the eye, glaucoma, concussion, meningitis, and, rarely, other brain problems.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause sensitivity to light. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • MigraineSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A headache that often throbs on one side and may come with nausea or light sensitivity.

  • MeningitisMay need emergency care

    An infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.

What you can do at home

  • Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim outdoors.
  • Dim the lights and close your eyes or rest in a dark room when it's bad.
  • Take out contact lenses and wear glasses until your eyes feel normal.
  • Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry.
  • Rest during a migraine in a dark, quiet room.
  • Take screen breaks and turn down screen brightness.

Medicines

Treatment depends on the cause. Migraine medicines, eye drops for dry eye or infection, or steroid drops for inflammation inside the eye may be prescribed. Don't use leftover steroid eye drops without seeing a doctor; they can make some infections worse.

At the doctor

The doctor will examine your eyes and ask about headaches and other symptoms.

Questions you may be asked

  • When the light sensitivity began and how bad it is
  • Whether your eyes hurt all the time or only in light
  • Whether you need dark glasses or dark rooms
  • Whether you wear contacts or had your eyes dilated recently
  • Whether you've been injured or exposed to chemicals
  • Headaches, nausea, stiff neck, or blurred vision
  • Your medicines

The exam

An eye exam, including a slit-lamp exam to look closely at the front of the eye.

Tests

  • Pupil dilation to look at the back of the eye
  • Fluorescein dye to look for scratches
  • A corneal scraping if infection is suspected
  • A spinal tap if meningitis is a concern

Prevention

Protect your eyes.

  • Wear sunglasses outdoors
  • Follow contact lens care instructions and don't sleep in them
  • Wear eye protection for work and sports
  • Manage migraine triggers

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.