Photophobia, also called photosensitivity or light sensitivity, is discomfort or pain in the eyes due to a heightened ocular sense, or the inability to see comfortably in the presence of bright lights. Light sensitivity can be caused by too much light entering the eye, which causes over stimulation of the photo-receptors in the retina and excessive electric impulses to the optic nerve. Sources such as sunlight, fluorescent light and incandescent light all can cause photophobia or light sensitivity, along with a need to squint or close your eyes. Common causes of photophobia or light sensitivity include migraine headaches, cataracts, or severe ophthalmologic (eye) diseases.

Photosensitivity is most frequently associated with the following conditions by our members