Why are my eyes extremely sensitive to light?

Question

It even makes my head hurt everytime I go outside in the daylight.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Even though light sensitivity may be a minor annoyance for many people, there is the possibility of it being triggered by an eye problem (corneal abrasion) or medical condition (meningitis) that causes eye pain, soreness and severe photophobia, even in very low-lighting conditions. There are several things your health-care professional may need to know to help determine the cause of your light sensitivity:

* How long has it been going on?
* Is the sensitivity constant or every now and then?
* Are dark glasses needed outside, inside or both?
* What makes it better or worse?
* Have your pupils recently been dilated with medications?
* Have you had exposure to chemicals, dust, pollen, sun or wind?
* Do you use any soaps, cosmetics or shampoo in or around your eyes?

This brings me to the part of your question relating to eye soreness. To better understand, it would be very helpful to know the following:

* When did the soreness begin?
* Is the pain or sore feeling in or around your eyes?
* Does it feel as if there is something in your eyes?
* Do you have other symptoms (fever, joint aches)?
* Do your eyes burn?
* Is the pain worse when you move your eyes?

It is important to know that your symptoms can run the gamut from minor to major concerns. For example, tired or sore eyes after a long period of working at your computer (eye strain) is minor and is not the type of pain needing urgent medical attention. However, it would be best to immediately call your eye specialist if your pain is severe, constant and includes any changes in your vision; if you need to wear sunglasses indoors; or if the photophobia is accompanied by fever, headaches, blurry vision or red eyes, as there may be a concern for meningitis.

Summing up, here’s what you need to know: People with lighter-colored eyes tend to be more sensitive to bright light, as are those taking certain medications (doxycycline, tetracycline, furosemide), so speak to your pharmacist or physician about medications that may cause photophobia. Dry eyes may cause your eyes to feel sore. Even though they are dry, the feeling of being watery (especially when exposed to bright light) may occur due to poorly spreading tears, or less of them.

When it comes to photophobia accompanied by eye soreness or pain, there are common eye concerns to consider. These include but aren’t limited to:

* uveitis (inflammation of the inner portion of the eye)
* iritis
* conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, clear membrane over the white part of the eye; the conjunctiva also lines the eyelids)
* contact-lens irritation or complication
* sunburn (yes, eyes can experience sun damage)
* refractive surgery
* migraines
* retinal detachment
* Sjogren’s Syndrome (inflammatory autoimmune disorder)
* burns to the eye (welder’s flash)
* a stye or chalazion (these can create eye pain and sensitivity as they grow)
* corneal ulcer
* a foreign body in the eye or irritation.

The symptom of light sensitivity may be your eyes’ way of buying time to heal from one of the conditions causing the eye soreness. Given your concern and combination of eye complaints, it is important to visit your family physician or eye-care specialist. It’s better to catch a problem early and to be reassured than to be shortsighted and let it fester.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

WOW!! Very informative.

Answer 2

I don't know the answer but you need to go to an eye docter

Source(s):

eye docter

Answer 3

well sometimes if you look at the sun to long or at any light to long you eyes can get your eyes to hurt/need glasses or go blind even/ get your eyes to hurt..if u don't stare at the sun or anything u might need glasses or go blind
go to the eye doctor

Answer 4

maybe because of your iris straining to skew the image and flip it from being upside down to upright. or maybe you could just be tired?

Answer 5

get checked for migraine headaches or fibromyalgia i have it and it causes eye sensitivity and aching in joints as well.