Sensitive Eyes to Light

Sensitive eyes to light are characterized by high sensitivity to all forms of light, which ranges from sunlight to fluorescent. This condition is described by the term 'photophobia'. The general symptoms of sensitive eyes are dislike or avoidance of light. Several factors can increase the sensitivity of your eyes to light. The normal state can be resolved by treating the underlying cause.

Causes of Sensitive Eyes to Light
There are numerous factors which can make your eyes sensitive to light. Some of the common medical conditions responsible for light sensitive eyes are as follows.

Achromatopsia: Achromatopsia is a genetic disorder of sight which occurs due to lack of cone vision. The cone vision is the type of vision which is produced by the cone photoreceptors in the retina. Under normal conditions, there are about 5-6 million of cone photoreceptors. They are located largely in the center of the retina. Patients of achromatopsia have to depend on their rod photoreceptors. They suffer from a severe congenital deficiency of color perception, which is often associated with nystagmus and reduced visual acuity. It causes you sensitive eyes to sunlight. Achromatopsia is also known by the terms achromatic vision and monochromatism.

Buphthalmos: Buphthalmos is described as an autosomal recessive trait. It involves an abnormal narrow angle between the cornea and iris. It blocks the outflow of aqueous humor, which in turn causes increase in the intraocular pressure and enlargement of the eyeball. Since it is there right from infancy, it is called infant glaucoma or buphthalmos. The sufferers of buphthalmos show excessive tearing, increased intraocular pressure, distortion of the optic disc and extremely sensitive eyes to wind and light.

Cataract: Cataract is defined as the clouding which develops in the crystalline lens or in its envelope in the eyes. The cloudiness may vary in degree from slight to complete opacity. It obstructs the passage of light through the eyes. The result is more or less like smearing of grease over the lens of a camera. There are several reasons behind the occurrence of cataracts. Some of them are cortisone medication, diabetes, trauma and aging. The common symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, unusual sensitivity to light and glare.

Conjunctivitis: Conjunctiva is a thin clear moist membrane which coats the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eye. The inflammation of the conjunctiva is medically termed as conjunctivitis. It is symptomized by several conditions. Some of them are redness, itchiness and a gritty feeling in one or both the eyes. All these symptoms are usually accompanied by discharge from the eyes which forms a crust during the night. Conjunctivitis occurs mostly due to allergies or infection caused by viruses and bacteria. Thus, conjunctivitis can be a possible reason behind light sensitive eyes.

Retinal Detachment: The disorder of the eye which is marked by peeling away of the retina from its underlying layer of support tissue is known as retinal detachment. It starts from a spot and goes on detaching. If the condition is not brought under control, it may lead to complete detachment, and result in vision loss and blindness. Therefore, retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Fortunately, retinal detachment often show clear signs and symptoms. There is almost a sudden appearance of numerous floaters. These are small bits of debris in the field of vision which look like spots, strands of hair. They seem to float before your eyes. You experience sudden flashes of light in one or both the eyes. You suffer from blurred vision and increased sensitivity of eyes to light.

Uveitis: There are three concentric layers which make up an eye. The middle layer, which remains sandwiched between the retina and sclera, is called uvea. The condition of inflamed uvea is called uveitis. The exact reason behind the development of uveitis is still unknown. It may be caused by infection, injury and autoimmune disorders. Uveitis is mainly characterized by redness and pain in the eyes. You have to experience blurred vision and sensitive eyes to light.

The condition of sensitive eyes to light can be cured by treating the exact underlying cause. Once the factor which is responsible is determined for this eye problem and addressed well, the problem of increased light sensitivity of your eyes naturally disappears. While your eyes are sensitive to light, you should take a few measures which can prevent the aggravation of the condition. Avoid going out in bright sunlight and other harsh lighting sources. If you have to, consider wearing wide-brimmed hats and eye wears with ultraviolet protection. Following a healthy diet will always help.