Photophobia means light causes discomfort in your eyes or head, or makes you want to avoid it. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
The most common explanations are usually not dangerous. Light sensitivity is a classic feature of migraine. Dry eye is another frequent cause, especially with long screen use. It is also common for a while after a concussion.
Less often, it signals something that needs prompt treatment. Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis) needs a same-day appointment. Rarely, light sensitivity is part of meningitis or a bleed on the brain. Both are emergencies. What usually tells them apart is what comes with the light sensitivity, and how quickly it started.
Call 112 or 999 (Ireland), 999 (UK) or 911 (US), or go to an emergency department, if light sensitivity comes with:
Get a same-day appointment (GP, GP out-of-hours, optometrist or NHS 111), if you have:
Do not drive yourself.
People describe it in different ways. Some feel pain in the eye or a headache that bright light makes worse. Others simply cannot tolerate normal indoor light and want to close their eyes.
A 2017 neurology review groups the causes into four families:
The NHS describes migraine as a severe headache, feeling sick and sensitivity to light. Many people are also sensitive to sound. The HSE says migraine affects around 1 in 5 women and around 1 in 15 men.
NICE's headache guideline lists unusual sensitivity to light or sound among the features that point to migraine. Tension-type headache does not usually carry those features. Our guide to telling migraine, tension and cluster headache apart explains the criteria.
Some people get warning signs (aura) before the headache, such as zigzag lines or flashing lights. The NHS says aura should not last longer than an hour. If it does, or an attack lasts over 72 hours, ask for an urgent GP appointment.
If headaches are frequent, the painkillers may be part of the problem. The HSE advises not using the maximum dose of painkillers on more than 2 days a week. We cover this in medication overuse headache.
The NHS lists sensitivity to light among the symptoms of dry eye. Eyes may also feel gritty, sore, itchy, red, blurry or more watery than usual.
You are more likely to get dry eye if you:
A pharmacist can advise on eye drops. See an optometrist or GP if home measures have not helped after a few weeks.
NICE lists unusual sensitivity to bright lights among possible post-concussion symptoms. Others include headache, dizziness, blurred or double vision and "brain fog".
A 2017 review describes photophobia as one of the most common visual complaints after brain injury. It can persist beyond the early weeks. The NHS says to see a GP if head injury symptoms last more than 2 weeks. Our guide to concussion explains current advice on rest and returning to activity.
Uveitis is inflammation inside part of the eye. The NHS describes it as rare. It usually affects one eye.
Symptoms can include eye pain that may be worse when reading, red or watery eyes, and blurred vision. There may also be sensitivity to light and floaters. It can be linked to autoimmune conditions such as MS and ankylosing spondylitis, to infections, or to eye injury. Often no cause is found.
It needs an urgent GP appointment. The NHS says you will usually be seen by an eye specialist within 24 hours. Early treatment helps avoid long-term problems with sight.
Several other eye conditions can cause light sensitivity with a painful red eye. They include infection or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis), and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
NICE describes acute glaucoma as headache with a painful red eye, misty vision or haloes, and sometimes nausea. The NHS says a red eye that hurts to look at light needs A&E or 999. So does a red eye with a severe headache and nausea.
A 2017 neurology review lists benzodiazepines, barbiturates and haloperidol as examples of drug-induced photophobia. If you have noticed light sensitivity since starting or changing a medicine, mention it to your prescriber. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice first. Our explainer on what benzodiazepines actually do covers why stopping them needs planning.
The same review lists anxiety disorders, agoraphobia and depression among conditions associated with photophobia. This does not mean the symptom is imagined. It means a doctor may ask about stress and mood as part of the picture. Our guide to when anxiety becomes a disorder may help frame that conversation.
Blepharospasm is involuntary, tight closing of both eyes. In one survey of 316 people with blepharospasm, 94% reported light sensitivity. A rare parkinsonian condition, progressive supranuclear palsy, is also associated with it. A neurologist or eye clinic would assess these.
Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. The NHS lists eye pain when looking at bright lights among its symptoms. Others include fever, a stiff neck, a worsening headache, vomiting, confusion and a rash that does not fade under a glass.
NICE calls fever, headache, neck stiffness and altered consciousness or confusion the "red flag combination". The NHS warns that early symptoms can look like flu, a stomach bug or a hangover. Not everyone gets a rash. If you are worried, get help immediately.
A burst brain aneurysm causes a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The NHS describes the main symptom as a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache. Call 112, 999 or 911.
Expect questions like these:
A GP will usually examine your eyes, and may check your nervous system. They may refer you to an optometrist, eye specialist or neurologist.
For recurring headaches, NICE suggests a headache diary for at least 8 weeks. It records frequency, severity, symptoms, medicines taken and possible triggers. Suspected meningitis is assessed in hospital, not in general practice.
These steps are supported by NHS or HSE guidance for specific causes:
One point is expert advice rather than guidance. The 2017 review advises against wearing dark sunglasses indoors. It argues that this lets the eyes adapt to the dark, which can make light sensitivity worse. Ask your optometrist what suits you.
If light sensitivity is part of feeling anxious or low, and you are struggling, help is available now. In Ireland and the UK, call Samaritans free on 116 123. In the US, call, text or chat 988. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 112, 999 or 911.
Often it is migraine or dry eye. A painful red eye with light sensitivity is different. It can mean inflammation or infection in the eye, so get it seen the same day.
Long screen use without breaks is a recognised risk factor for dry eye. Dry eye, in turn, can make your eyes sensitive to light. Regular breaks and good screen position may help.
It is a recognised post-concussion symptom. The NHS says head injury symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. See a GP if they last longer, or sooner if anything gets worse.
When it comes with a stiff neck, fever, confusion or a rash that does not fade. Also when it comes with a sudden, severe headache, or with a red eye and changed sight. Call 112, 999 or 911.
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot assess your symptoms. If you are worried, speak to your GP, optometrist or emergency services.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026