Eye Sensitivity: Causes of Light Sensitivity and Vision Issues

Q: Eye Sensitivity: Causes of Light Sensitivity and Vision Issues

Hello Mr. <br>Hong： When the eyes are inflamed, they can become sensitive to light, and discharge may cause a rainbow effect. <br>As for why you have difficulty seeing clearly at close distances, it would be best to have an eye examination first. <br>Try removing your glasses to

Photophobia, glare, halos, and tearing?

Hello doctor, for the past month or two, my eyes have been repeatedly inflamed and tearing.
At night, I experience glare from lights, and sometimes when looking at LED lights, I see rainbows.
A week ago, I visited a clinic where they checked my vision, which is 600, indicating high myopia (both through computer refraction and manual testing).
They performed a slit lamp examination but found no viruses or foreign bodies, and it is not glaucoma, with eye pressures of 13 and 15.
They prescribed artificial tears, vitamin B12, and a medication called Mingmei, and sent me home.
However, after using them for several days, there has been no improvement; I still experience glare at night.
I also noticed that objects within ten centimeters are unclear.
Is this astigmatism or hyperopia? Do I need correction? The doctor did not mention this, and since it was not checked, should I go back to an ophthalmologist?

Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/09

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Hong: When the eyes are inflamed, they can become sensitive to light, and discharge may cause a rainbow effect.
As for why you have difficulty seeing clearly at close distances, it would be best to have an eye examination first.
Try removing your glasses to see if your vision improves.
I recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist to check for any unusual symptoms.

Reply Date: 2022/07/09

More Info

Hello! Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to several underlying issues, including light sensitivity, potential refractive errors, and possibly dry eye syndrome. Let's break down your concerns and explore the possible causes and solutions.

Light Sensitivity and Eye Inflammation
Light sensitivity, or photophobia, can be caused by various factors, including inflammation of the eye, which you mentioned has been recurrent. Conditions such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), or even dry eye syndrome can lead to increased sensitivity to light. The fact that you are experiencing tearing and discomfort, especially in the presence of bright lights like LED bulbs, suggests that your eyes may not be adequately lubricated or that there is an underlying inflammatory process.

Vision Issues: Blurriness and Distortion
You mentioned that you have difficulty seeing objects clearly when they are close (within 10 cm), which raises the possibility of refractive errors such as astigmatism or hyperopia (farsightedness). Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, leading to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Hyperopia, on the other hand, makes it difficult to see objects up close. Given your high myopia (nearsightedness), it is essential to have a comprehensive eye examination to determine if additional corrective lenses are needed for your specific vision issues.

Importance of Follow-Up
Since your initial examination did not reveal any viral infections or foreign bodies, and your eye pressure was within normal limits, it is crucial to follow up with an eye care professional, preferably an ophthalmologist. They can conduct a more thorough assessment, including checking for refractive errors, assessing the health of your cornea and retina, and determining if there are any other underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment Options
1. Artificial Tears: You mentioned that you were prescribed artificial tears. These can help alleviate dryness and irritation, but if you do not notice improvement, it may be worth discussing with your doctor about trying different formulations or additional treatments.

2. Vitamin B12: While B12 is essential for overall eye health, it is not a direct treatment for light sensitivity or inflammation. Ensure you are getting adequate nutrition, as deficiencies can impact your eye health.

3. Protective Eyewear: If bright lights are causing discomfort, consider wearing sunglasses or blue light-blocking glasses when exposed to harsh lighting conditions. This can help reduce glare and improve comfort.

4. Further Evaluation: Given your ongoing symptoms, it is advisable to return to your eye care provider for a follow-up examination. They may perform additional tests to evaluate your vision more comprehensively and determine if corrective lenses are necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms of light sensitivity, tearing, and difficulty focusing on close objects warrant further investigation. It is essential to have a thorough eye examination to rule out any underlying conditions and to determine the appropriate corrective measures. Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion or further evaluation if your symptoms persist. Your eye health is crucial, and addressing these issues early can help prevent further complications.

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