My eyes hurt a lot....?

Question

I have to wear sunglasses a lot because my eyes hurt when i look at something that is white, or bright, or if im inside a lot then i go outside, like im really sensitive to brightness or lots of light. Why is that? Is there a name for it? Is there something i can do about it?

Answer 1

Sounds like you have something going on with your eyes, so let’s try and figure it out. You mean bright light makes your eyes hurt, while sunglasses help them feel better. These are big clues that you are experiencing a fairly common condition known as photophobia. This is a fancy term for light sensitivity or intolerance to light. There are different degrees of photophobia. Some people are sensitive only to sunlight, and others to any type of brightness, including fluorescent or incandescent light. When experiencing this sensitivity, folks may even notice some squinting or the need to close their eyes.

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?

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.