You step outside into the bright sun, and your first reaction is to squint or shield your eyes. You may find the lighting in an office or store uncomfortably intense. If bright light often causes you discomfort or even pain, you’re experiencing light sensitivity, and the team at Calgary Trail Vision Centre can help.
Photophobia, or discomfort in bright light, is not an eye disease but a common symptom that can indicate multiple underlying conditions. Understanding what is causing your eyes to feel this way is the first step toward finding relief, and a comprehensive eye exam can help identify the cause.
What Is Light Sensitivity & What Does It Feel Like?
Light sensitivity occurs when light sources—such as sunlight or indoor lighting—make your eyes feel uncomfortable. You might find yourself squinting constantly in bright environments or needing to close your eyes to get a moment of relief from the strain.
Common signs that you may be sensitive to light include:
- A frequent need to squint or close your eyes
- Pain or discomfort when exposed to light
- Watery eyes in bright conditions
- Headaches triggered by light
These symptoms may indicate conditions such as dry eye syndrome, in which the eye’s surface is more easily irritated.
Common Reasons for Sensitive Eyes
Sudden or increasing sensitivity to light can result from a variety of factors. While some explanations are straightforward, others may indicate an eye condition that warrants a professional assessment. Your specific experience often provides clues to the source.
Eye Colour & Physical Traits
Your natural eye colour can affect how you handle bright light. If you have light-coloured eyes, such as blue or green, you have less pigment to block harsh light, increasing your sensitivity. Other physical factors, like chronic dry eye or inflammation, can also contribute to this discomfort.
Headaches & Migraines
If you experience migraines, you may already know that light sensitivity is a frequent symptom. It can appear before, during, or even after a migraine episode. Sometimes, eye misalignment can contribute to these headaches, which is why some find relief with specialized lenses.
Medications or Health Conditions
Some medications list light sensitivity as a potential side effect. You might also notice a change in your light tolerance due to certain health conditions that affect your whole body, not just your eyes. Reviewing your medications and overall health can sometimes reveal a connection.
Can a Vitamin Deficiency Cause Sensitive Eyes?
Your overall health and nutrition significantly affect your eyes. Proper eye nutrition can help support your vision, and a lack of certain nutrients may contribute to light sensitivity. Specifically, vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin B2 support key functions in your eyes, and deficiencies can sometimes lead to discomfort in bright settings.
How to Manage & Soothe Light Sensitivity
You can take simple, practical steps to reduce discomfort from bright lights. These small adjustments can make your daily activities more comfortable and reduce eye strain.
Make Small Adjustments to Your Environment
Simple changes in your surroundings can make a big difference. You can try dimming the lights in your home or adjusting the brightness settings on your computer and phone screens to help with digital eye strain. When you go outside, wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps shield your eyes from direct sunlight.
Choose Protective Eyewear
The right eyewear can offer you significant relief. Polarized sunglasses are highly effective at reducing glare outdoors. For daily convenience, you might also consider lenses that automatically darken in the sun—often called photochromic lenses.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor in Calgary
While often manageable at home, any new or severe light sensitivity is a good reason to schedule an eye exam. A comprehensive assessment can help identify the root cause of your discomfort. It’s a good idea to see an eye doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Light sensitivity that appears suddenly
- Pain in or around your eyes
- Blurry vision or other changes in how you see
- Sensitivity that doesn’t improve after a day or two
At Calgary Trail Vision Centre, the team helps you and your family manage your visual health. If light sensitivity is affecting your comfort, book an appointment to get the clear answers and support you need.