Photophobia: Symptoms and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Q: Photophobia: Symptoms and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

Hello： This is likely not a sign of a retinal tear. <br>Since you have night blindness, your retina may be more prone to fatigue, and the afterimages from light stimuli may linger longer. <br>However, it is still recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for a thorough examin

Photoreception issues

Hello doctor, I have floaters and in January, I discovered that I also have night blindness.
My current job requires me to look at a computer for 8 hours a day.
After just over two months, I suddenly started feeling uncomfortable in mid-January.
When I wake up in the morning and look at sunlight, my eyes, especially the right one, react with flashes when looking at the sky.
Sometimes I can see light spots flashing.
My eyes have started to feel a bit sensitive to sunlight, and when I blink, I also see flashes.
When I'm fatigued from work, I sometimes see what looks like afterimages flashing, similar to the effect of a flashlight turning on and off quickly.
Every time I come home from work, my eyes feel somewhat tired.
Recently, while walking outside at night, I noticed that my peripheral vision has long, wavy afterimages flashing, especially in complete darkness, where they are particularly numerous and continuous.
There was one time when those wavy afterimages filled my entire field of vision, even though there was a light on nearby.
This lasted for several seconds as I walked from a dark area to a well-lit one.
Sometimes those flashing afterimages persist, and I suddenly see very bright fluorescent lights that also have a slight flicker.
When my eyes focus on a point, there are also flashes in my peripheral vision, and at the same time, my eyes sometimes feel tingling.
It seems that the flashing at the back of my eyes is more severe.
I constantly feel that my eyes have issues with light changes, which makes me uncomfortable.
I don't think it's a retinal tear, as I initially thought it was photophobia, but it still flashes at night.
Could it be due to excessive blue light exposure leading to eye fatigue?

Ms. Hsieh, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/04

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: This is likely not a sign of a retinal tear.
Since you have night blindness, your retina may be more prone to fatigue, and the afterimages from light stimuli may linger longer.
However, it is still recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for a thorough examination to ensure peace of mind.

Reply Date: 2023/02/04

More Info

Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is a condition where bright lights cause discomfort or pain in the eyes. This can manifest in various ways, including squinting, tearing, or even headaches when exposed to light. In your case, the symptoms you describe—such as seeing flashes of light, experiencing discomfort in bright sunlight, and noticing visual disturbances like "wave-like" afterimages—are concerning and warrant further investigation.

Given your history of floaters and night blindness, it is essential to consider several potential underlying causes for your symptoms. Floaters are typically benign but can sometimes indicate more serious conditions, especially when accompanied by other visual disturbances. Night blindness, or nyctalopia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including vitamin A deficiency, retinitis pigmentosa, or other retinal issues.
The flashes of light you experience, particularly in bright conditions, could be related to several factors:
1. Retinal Issues: Conditions such as retinal detachment or tears can cause flashes of light. This occurs when the retina is stimulated by changes in pressure or movement, leading to the perception of light. Although you mentioned that you do not believe you have a retinal tear, it is crucial to have a thorough examination by an eye specialist to rule this out.

2. Migraine-Related Symptoms: Some individuals experience visual disturbances, known as aura, before or during a migraine. These can include flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or temporary vision loss. If you have a history of migraines, this could be a contributing factor.

3. Photophobia: This can be exacerbated by prolonged exposure to screens, especially if you are not using proper eye protection or taking regular breaks. Blue light emitted from screens can contribute to eye strain and discomfort, leading to symptoms of photophobia.

4. Dry Eyes: Extended screen time can lead to dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and sensitivity to light. This condition can be managed with artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops.

5. Eye Fatigue: The symptoms you describe, particularly after long hours of computer work, suggest that eye fatigue could be a significant factor. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.

To address your concerns, here are some recommendations:
- Consult an Eye Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can perform a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated fundus exam, to assess the health of your retina and rule out any serious conditions.

- Manage Screen Time: Consider using blue light blocking glasses, adjusting your screen brightness, and ensuring proper lighting in your workspace. Regular breaks are essential to reduce eye strain.

- Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears: Keeping your eyes lubricated can help alleviate discomfort, especially if you are experiencing dry eyes.

- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential triggers. This information can be valuable for your eye care provider.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to eye fatigue or sensitivity, they could also indicate more serious underlying issues. A thorough examination by an eye care professional is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for your discomfort.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Visual Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Eye Strain

Sometimes, when I can't read word by word, I feel discomfort in my body. Could you please explain what visual discomfort is?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Visual discomfort may refer to symptoms of discomfort or unease when seeing text or images. This sensation can include headaches, eye strain, eye pain, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. Such discomfort may be related to eye conditions, such as presbyopia, myopia, astigmatism...

Managing Eye Pain and Discomfort: Effective Eye Drops and Tips

Hello Doctor, I am highly myopic (approximately -10.00 diopters) with mild amblyopia in one eye and some photophobia. Currently, I spend about 6 hours a day on the computer and around 3 hours on my smartphone (often until bedtime, and sometimes even in the dark). A few days ago, ...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Patidar is a medication for mild dry eye syndrome and does not cause pupil dilation. Additionally, you are using digital devices for too long, and it is best to avoid using them before bedtime. I recommend adjusting your eye usage habits first, and if you still experience ...

Understanding Light Sensitivity: Causes and Solutions for Eye Discomfort

I have light sensitivity in my eyes, which makes it difficult for me to maintain eye contact when chatting with others. I visited the hospital last time, but since my eyes are small and I blink a lot, they only measured my vision, which was fine (600 degrees). The doctor prescrib...

Dr. Zhang Yuhua reply Ophthalmology
Dear online friend, Photophobia can commonly be caused by corneal issues (such as keratitis or corneal injury) and anterior uveitis. Less common causes include conjunctivitis, posterior uveitis, albinism, achromatopsia, and aniridia. If you have previously undergone an examinat...

Understanding Glare and Light Sensitivity: Eye Exam Options Explained

Q&A My main concerns are 1. Photophobia: My eyes feel uncomfortable and have a burning sensation when exposed to sunlight or reflected light (such as polarized light). 2. Glare: At night, when I see traffic lights or vehicle headlights, the lights are blinding (the light poin...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
It is still recommended that you visit an ophthalmology clinic for an examination by a physician, who will determine if any relevant tests are necessary. Thank you, and wish you good health!