“Why are my eyes so sensitive to light?”

You may have a lot of light sensitivity due to uncorrected refractive error (ex: uncorrected astigmatism). Also, blue or lighter eyes have a high sensitivity when transitioning from inside light to outside. Have you had an exam in a while? There are other outlier differentials as well.

It could be allergies or dryness. I would recommend using artificial tears, Systane or Refresh four times a day and see if you have any relieve.

There could be a few things going...first, you may have dry eyes and the wind outside may cause your tears to evaporate. Some allergies may become worse outside and the eyes water to protect and wash irritants away. It could be other things as well....I recommend seeing an Optometrist.

If you have blue or green eyes then it is sensitivity to UV light. Otherwise, dry eyes water to protect the eyes, but these tears are formed very quickly therefore, not healthy enough for the eyes. Use sunglasses and artificial tears.
Dr. Hakki

Hi, thanks for the question. Yes, it does sound like an allergy, however, it could just be that you're very light sensitive. And, to be sure which one it is, please have an eye examination before trying any medical treatments.

Hello,

You ask a question that eye doctors hear quite often. I would like to know if you have always been photophobic (sensitive to light) or if it is a new symptom? If you have always been photophobic, that may just be normal for you. Some people are just more sensitive to light than others. That mandates the need for sunglasses outside which protects your eyes from UV damage over time. Wearing sunglasses when outdoors is protective against macular degeneration later in life and pterygiums (growths on the external eye which can extend onto the cornea) just to name a couple of pathologies which can be caused by overexposure to UV light. If this symptom is new, than having a comprehensive eye examination is important to rule out inflammation which might be causing the photophobia. Bottom line, if this is a new symptom - get an eye examination.

An allergy or chronic dry eye can make the nerves in the eye extra sensitive, which can trigger light sensitivity and tearing. However, if this is an ongoing problem that stays relatively consistent, the more likely cause is depleted macular pigments. Lutein and Xeazanthin absorb light in the outermost layer of the retina called the retinal pigment epithelium. These pigments get depleted over time in certain individuals. You can replenish these pigments by eating kale, spinach, or collard greens daily (or pick up a Lutein and Xeazanthin supplement). Within 3-4 weeks, you will become less light sensitive. In the meantime, wear sunglasses with IVA and UVB protection, address any dryness issues (pick one of the following drops that contain oil layers to help hold your tears on your eyes while outside: Refresh Advanced, Soothe XP, Retaine, or Systane Balance). Allergies should be managed as well: wash face and eyelids/lashes several times a day and use antihistamine drops as needed. If you are still having problems, you should see an eye care professional to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

Usually an allergy does not cause light sensitivity (photophobia). Some people who have light colored eyes and fair skin and hair have less pigment in the eye and are more light sensitive. There are some eye diseases that can cause light sensitivity, including inflammation in the eye or irregularities in the retina. You should have a comprehensive eye exam by your optometrist to have this photophobia checked.

Photosensitiviy is due to a numbers of reason : cataracts , dry eyes , allergies , infections , inflammation, albinism etc . Light skinned , light eyes individuals are more sensitive to bright lights

This could be due to a couple different reasons. Allergy (environmental /
seasonal) is a possible cause. There are little cells in the lining of the
eyelids that can release histamine when in contact with an allergen. This
then causes an inflammatory cascade which may include tearing to help aid
in flushing out the allergen. Alternatively, if a person has very dry eyes,
their tear film may be inadequate, or evaporate too quickly. This could
then cause a reflexive tearing episode to try and remedy the ocular
irritation. In either case, something atypical is occurring on the ocular
surface and it should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

Hello, Moat likely your eyes are just sensitive to light- this can be caused by a side effect of certain medications, dry eyes, allergies and or certain systemic conditions such as diabetes also. I would suggest a good pair of polarized sunglasses even on cloudy days for Uv protection and to shield your eyes from glare.

Tanya Markis-Meyer,OD