Photophobia Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Sensitivity to light is the inability to tolerate light, medically known as photophobia. In someone who is light sensitive, any type of light source (sunlight, fluorescent light, incandescent light) can cause discomfort. Photophobia typically causes a need to squint or close the eyes, and headache, nausea, or other symptoms may be associated with photophobia. People with light-colored eyes are more likely to have sensitivity to bright light than those with darker-pigmented eyes. Sensitivity to light is caused by a number of conditions that affect the eye as well as conditions that affect the entire body.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Photophobia
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Botulism
Botulism is an illness caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three types of botulism:...learn more »
In This Article
Botulism Article
- Botulism facts
- What is botulism?
- What causes botulism?
- How many kinds of botulism are there?
- How serious is botulism?
- How does botulism neurotoxin affect the body?
- What kind of organism is Clostridium botulinum?
- How common is botulism?
- What are botulism symptoms and signs?
- How soon do symptoms appear?
- How is botulism diagnosed?
- How is botulism treated?
- What are complications from botulism?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) of people with botulism?
- Can botulism be prevented?
- Is botulism neurotoxin really considered to be a potential biological weapon?
- Why are botulism neurotoxins used as cosmetic treatments or treatments for some medical conditions?
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Burns (First Aid)
Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »
In This Article
Burns (First Aid) Article
- Introduction to burns
- How are burns classified?
- What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
- How important is the location of a burn?
- What about electrical burns?
- What about chemical burns?
- First aid for burns
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Cataracts
A cataract is an eye disease that causes the eye's lens to become cloudy and opaque with decreased vision. Causes of cataracts...learn more »
In This Article
Cataracts Article
- Facts about cataracts
- What is a cataract?
- What are the different types of cataracts?
- What are causes of cataracts?
- What are risk factors for cataracts?
- What are the symptoms of cataracts?
- What are the signs of cataracts?
- How are cataracts diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cataracts?
- What are the different types of cataract surgery, and what risks are
involved?
- What are complications of cataracts?
- What is the prognosis of cataracts?
- Can cataracts be prevented?
- Where can people get more information on cataracts?
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Chalazion
Chalazions are cysts that form on the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes inflamed. The meibomian glands secrete a mixture of...learn more »
In This Article
Chalazion Article
- Chalazion facts
- What is a chalazion?
- What are these eyelid glands?
- What causes a chalazion? What are the symptoms of a chalazion?
- Is a chalazion like a pimple?
- What is the treatment for a chalazion?
- What is the prognosis for chalazion?
- How can a chalazion be prevented?
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Concussion
Concussion is a short-lived loss of brain function that is due to head trauma. There are two types of concussion, simple and...learn more »
In This Article
Concussion Article
- What is concussion and what causes concussion?
- What are the types of concussion?
- What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
- How is concussion diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for concussion?
- How can concussion be prevented?
- What is the future of concussion?
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Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Infection is a common cause of corneal ulcer. Symptoms and signs of corneal ulcer...learn more »
In This Article
Corneal Ulcer Article
- What is a corneal ulcer?
- What does a corneal ulcer look like?
- What are the causes of a corneal ulcer?
- What are corneal ulcer symptoms?
- What are corneal ulcer signs?
- How is a corneal ulcer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a corneal ulcer?
- What is the healing time for a corneal ulcer?
- Can corneal ulcers be prevented?
- Corneal Ulcer At A Glance
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Drug Abuse
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and...learn more »
In This Article
Drug Abuse Article
- Drug abuse and addiction facts
- What is drug abuse?
- What is drug addiction?
- What types of drugs are commonly abused?
- What are the physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction?
- What are causes and risk factors for drug abuse and addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of drug abuse and addiction?
- What happens to your brain when you take drugs?
- How is drug addiction diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for drug addiction?
- What are complications of drug addiction?
- What is the prognosis of drug addiction?
- Can drug abuse and addiction be prevented?
- Where can people get help for drug abuse or addiction?
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Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear...learn more »
In This Article
Dry Eyes Article
- Dry eye syndrome facts
- What is dry eye syndrome?
- What causes dry eye syndrome?
- What is the impact of dry eye syndrome?
- What are dry eye syndrome symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications of dry eye syndrome?
- What are the risk factors for dry eye syndrome?
- What is the treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- Can self-care treatments and remedies help alleviate dry eyes?
- What is the medical treatment for dry eye syndrome?
- What medications are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
- Can surgery treat dry eye syndrome?
- What other therapies are used to treat dry eye syndrome?
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Eye Care
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important...learn more »
In This Article
Eye Care Article
- Eye care introduction
- What is the structure of the eye?
- Which common disorders of the eye can (sometimes) be self-treated?
- What common eye conditions usually require treatment by a doctor?
- What types of OTC eye care products are there?
- What inactive ingredients are contained in OTC eye care products?
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Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity,...learn more »
In This Article
Eye Strain Article
- What is eye strain?
- What causes eye strain?
- What are the symptoms of eye strain?
- What are the signs of eye strain?
- How is eye strain diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for eye strain?
- Can eye strain be prevented?
- Eye Strain At A Glance
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Fungal Meningitis
Fungal meningitis is a rare disease that is not contagious. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting....learn more »
In This Article
Fungal Meningitis Article
- Fungal meningitis facts
- What causes fungal meningitis?
- How is fungal meningitis transmitted?
- What are risk factors for fungal meningitis?
- What are fungal meningitis symptoms and signs?
- How is fungal meningitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for fungal meningitis?
- Can fungal meningitis be prevented?
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Read more on encephalitis and meningitis symptoms
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Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the...learn more »
In This Article
Glaucoma Article
- What is glaucoma?
- How common is glaucoma?
- What causes glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma risk factors?
- What are the different types of glaucoma?
- What are glaucoma symptoms and signs?
- How is glaucoma diagnosed?
- How often should someone be checked (screened) for glaucoma?
- What is the treatment for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma medications (eyedrops)
- Glaucoma surgery or laser
- Can glaucoma be prevented?
- What is in the future for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma At Glance
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Iritis
Iritis is inflammation of the iris, the colored portion of the eye. Symptoms include a red, painful eye, blurry vision, and light...learn more »
In This Article
Iritis Article
- What is iritis?
- What causes iritis?
- What are symptoms and signs of iritis?
- How is iritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for iritis?
- How long does iritis last?
- What are complications of iritis?
- What is the prognosis for iritis?
- What research is being done for iritis?
- Where can I find out more information about iritis?
- Iritis At A Glance
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Keratitis
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Symptoms and signs include pain, tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, watery eyes, or...learn more »
In This Article
Keratitis Article
- What is keratitis?
- What are the causes of keratitis?
- What are the different types of keratitis?
- What are the risk factors for keratitis?
- What are symptoms and signs of keratitis?
- How is keratitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for keratitis?
- What are the possible complications of keratitis?
- Can keratitis be prevented?
- Keratitis At A Glance
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Meningitis
Encephalitis is a brain inflammation that causes sudden fever, vomiting, headache, light sensitivity, stiff neck and back,...learn more »
In This Article
Meningitis Article
- Encephalitis and meningitis facts
- What is encephalitis?
- What causes encephalitis?
- What are encephalitis symptoms and signs?
- What is meningitis?
- What causes meningitis?
- What are meningitis symptoms and signs?
- What is encephalomyelitis?
- How are encephalitis and meningitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of encephalitis and meningitis?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with encephalitis or
meningitis?
- Is meningitis contagious?
- Can meningitis be prevented?
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Migraine
Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting,...learn more »
In This Article
Migraine Article
- What is a migraine headache?
- What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?
- What are some of the variants of migraine headaches?
- How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
- How are migraine headaches treated?
- What is the treatment for moderate to severe migraine headaches?
- What other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?
- How are migraine headaches prevented?
- What are migraine triggers?
- What should migraine sufferers do?
- What are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?
- What is the proper way to use preventive medications?
- What is the treatment for menstrual migraine?
- Conclusions
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Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve, the structure that connects the eye to the brain. The precise cause of optic...learn more »
In This Article
Optic Neuritis Article
- What is optic neuritis?
- What causes optic neuritis?
- What are symptoms of optic neuritis?
- What are signs of optic neuritis?
- How is optic neuritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for optic neuritis?
- What is the prognosis for optic neuritis?
- Can optic neuritis be prevented?
- Where can I find more information on optic neuritis?
- Optic Neuritis At A Glance
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Pink Eye
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the...learn more »
In This Article
Pink Eye Article
- Pink eye facts
- What is "pink eye"?
- What infections cause pink eye, what are infectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
- What noninfectious conditions cause pink eye, what are noninfectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
- What are home treatments and care for pink eye?
- How can I prevent the spread of pink eye?
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Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying eye tissue. Symptoms of retinal...learn more »
In This Article
Retinal Detachment Article
- What is the retina?
- What is a retinal detachment?
- What are retinal detachment symptoms and signs?
- What are retinal detachment causes and risk factors?
- Which diseases of the eyes predispose to the development of a retinal detachment?
- How does cataract surgery lead to a retinal detachment?
- What other factors are associated with a retinal detachment?
- Why is it mandatory to treat retinal detachments?
- What is the treatment for retinal detachment?
- What are complications of surgery
for a retinal detachment, and what is recovery like after retinal detachment surgery?
- What are the results of surgery for a retinal detachment?
- Retinal Detachment At A Glance
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Sjogren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and...learn more »
In This Article
Sjogren's Syndrome Article
- Sjögren's syndrome facts
- What is Sjögren's syndrome?
- What causes Sjögren's syndrome?
- What are Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
- How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Will dietary changes improve Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
- Can Sjögren's syndrome be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for patients with Sjögren's syndrome?
- Conclusion
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In This Article
Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Article
- Sunburn facts
- What is sunburn?
- Can sunburn cause permanent damage?
- What is UV light and where are UV rays most intense?
- What are the symptoms of sunburn?
- What are the
symptoms of severe sunburn (sun poisoning)?
- Sunburn pictures
- What first-aid measures should be taken with sunburn?
- What is the treatment for sunburn?
- Are there any home remedies to treat sunburn?
- Is a follow-up visit with a physician necessary?
- Why does the skin tan after exposure to UV rays?
- Who is most susceptible to sunburn?
- Can diseases cause a heightened sensitivity to UV rays?
- Can medications increase sensitivity to sunburn?
- What kinds of skin cancer can UV rays cause?
- How can sunburn and skin cancer be
prevented?
- How do sunscreens work?
- What is SPF?
- What is the best way to apply sunscreen?
- Do sunscreens expire?
- Can antioxidants protect against sunburn?
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Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness, photophobia, and floaters. Treatment...learn more »
In This Article
Uveitis Article
- What is uveitis?
- What causes uveitis?
- What are symptoms of uveitis?
- What are the signs of uveitis?
- What are the different types of uveitis?
- What other medical conditions are associated with uveitis?
- How is uveitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for uveitis?
- What is the prognosis for uveitis?
- What are the complications of uveitis?
- Can uveitis be prevented?
Other Causes of Photophobia
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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