Photophobia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Photophobia is a condition that causes your eyes to be sensitive to light.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have severe eye pain.
- You have vision loss.
Call your doctor or ophthalmologist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have changes in your vision.
- Your symptoms do not improve after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- Antivirals help treat a viral infection.
- Antifungals help treat a fungal infection.
- Steroids help treat eye swelling.
- Artificial tears are eyedrops that help moisturize your eyes. Moisture in your eye may help relieve photophobia. Artificial tears are available without a prescription. Ask your healthcare provider how often to use artificial tears.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage photophobia:
- Use all eyedrops as directed. Do not let the tip of the eyedrop bottle touch anything, including your eye. Your healthcare provider can show you how to put eyedrops in your eye. Wash your hands before you use eyedrops. Throw away eyedrops that have expired or become contaminated.
- Wear sunglasses as directed. Sunglasses help decrease exposure to light.
- Avoid light as much as possible. Turn off lights and keep blinds or curtains shut.
- Do not wear contact lenses. Contacts may cause eye discomfort.
- Do not wear eye makeup. Eye makeup may cause irritation.
Follow up with your doctor or ophthalmologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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