If you're wondering, "Why are my eyes sensitive to light?" the answer depends on what's causing the irritation. While temporary light sensitivity can happen after spending time outdoors or looking at screens, persistent sensitivity—known as photophobia—is often linked to conditions such as dry eye disease, migraines, eye infections, inflammation, or cataracts.

Although occasional light sensitivity is common, symptoms that are persistent, worsening, or accompanied by pain or blurred vision should be evaluated by an optometrist.

At Brampton Eye Clinic, we help patients identify the cause of light sensitivity and recommend personalized treatment to improve comfort, protect eye health, and preserve vision.

What Is Light Sensitivity?

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, occurs when your eyes react more strongly than normal to light.

You may notice:

• Squinting in bright sunlight

• Discomfort from indoor lighting

• Pain when looking at computer or phone screens

• Headaches triggered by bright light

• Watery or irritated eyes

• Difficulty driving at night

• Feeling the need to wear sunglasses more often

While occasional sensitivity is usually temporary, persistent symptoms often indicate an underlying eye condition that should be assessed.

Quick Symptom Guide

A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

8 Common Causes of Light Sensitivity

1. Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is one of the most common causes of light sensitivity.

Your tears create a protective layer over the surface of your eyes. When that tear film becomes unstable, the surface of your eye becomes irritated, making bright light uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging

• Blurry vision that comes and goes

• Gritty sensation

• Redness

• Excessive tearing

• Eye fatigue

Fortunately, treating dry eye often significantly improves light sensitivity.

2. Digital Eye Strain

Long hours spent on computers, tablets, and smartphones reduce how often we blink, causing our eyes to dry out and become irritated.

Symptoms may include:

• Eye fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Increased sensitivity to light

Following the 20-20-20 Rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—can help reduce digital eye strain.

3. Migraines

Light sensitivity is one of the most common migraine symptoms and may occur before, during, or after a migraine attack.

If bright light regularly triggers headaches, an eye exam can help determine whether vision problems or another eye condition may also be contributing.

4. Eye Infections

Conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or corneal infections can cause:

• Redness

• Eye pain

• Discharge

• Swelling

• Light sensitivity

Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and relieve discomfort.

5. Corneal Scratches or Eye Injuries

Even a small scratch on the cornea can make your eye extremely sensitive to light.

If you've recently had an eye injury or feel like something is stuck in your eye, it's important to have it examined as soon as possible.

6. Contact Lens Irritation

Overwearing contact lenses or wearing poorly fitting lenses can irritate the surface of the eye.

Symptoms often include:

• Redness

• Pain

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

Never continue wearing contact lenses if your eyes become painful or unusually sensitive to light.

7. Eye Inflammation (Uveitis)

Inflammation inside the eye can cause:

• Eye pain

• Blurred vision

• Floaters

• Severe light sensitivity

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help protect your vision.

8. Cataracts

As cataracts develop, they scatter incoming light, making bright environments more uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

• Increased glare

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Difficulty driving at night

• Blurred or cloudy vision

Routine comprehensive eye exams can detect cataracts before they significantly affect your vision.

When Should You Book an Eye Exam?

Schedule an eye exam if:

• Your eyes are consistently sensitive to light.

• Bright light causes headaches.

• Your symptoms are becoming more frequent or severe.

• Your vision is blurry.

• Your eyes are red, irritated, or painful.

• Light sensitivity is affecting work, driving, or daily activities.

• Your child frequently squints, avoids bright light, or complains that light hurts their eyes.

Because photophobia can have many different causes, identifying the underlying issue is the first step toward lasting relief.

Find Relief from Light Sensitivity

Whether your symptoms are caused by dry eye disease, digital eye strain, cataracts, or another eye condition, early diagnosis can make a significant difference.

At Brampton Eye Clinic, our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams to identify the cause of light sensitivity and recommend personalized treatment options.

If dry eye is contributing to your symptoms, advanced treatments—including IPL therapy and other dry eye therapies—may help improve both your comfort and the quality of your vision.

Book your comprehensive eye exam today and let us help you see more comfortably.

When Is Light Sensitivity an Emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention if your light sensitivity develops suddenly and is accompanied by:

• Sudden vision loss

• Severe eye pain

• Flashes of light

• A sudden increase in floaters

• Double vision

• A chemical injury

• Significant eye trauma

These symptoms may indicate a serious eye condition requiring urgent treatment.

How Is Light Sensitivity Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Your optometrist may recommend:

• Dry eye treatment

• Prescription eye drops

• IPL or Radiofrequency (RF) therapy for dry eye

• Updated glasses or contact lens prescription

• Screen habit modifications

• UV-protective sunglasses

• Referral for additional medical care when necessary

The most effective treatment starts with a comprehensive eye exam to determine what's causing your symptoms.

Can You Prevent Light Sensitivity?

While not every cause can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:

• Scheduling routine eye exams

• Treating dry eye early

• Wearing sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection

• Taking regular breaks from digital screens

• Staying hydrated

• Practicing proper contact lens hygiene

• Managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry eyes cause light sensitivity?

Yes. Dry eye disease is one of the most common causes because an unstable tear film leaves the surface of the eye irritated and more sensitive to bright light.

Why are my eyes suddenly sensitive to sunlight?

Dry eye disease, migraines, eye injuries, infections, inflammation, or cataracts can all contribute. Sudden or severe symptoms should always be evaluated promptly.

Can screen time make my eyes sensitive to light?

Yes. Long periods of screen use reduce blinking, contributing to digital eye strain and dry eye, both of which can increase light sensitivity.

Can allergies cause light sensitivity?

Yes. Allergies can inflame and irritate the eyes, making them more sensitive to light. They are often accompanied by itching, redness, and watery eyes.

Why are my eyes sensitive to LED lights?

LED lights may feel uncomfortable if you have dry eye disease, migraines, digital eye strain, or another condition affecting the surface of your eyes.

Should I wear sunglasses indoors?

Generally, no. Wearing sunglasses indoors regularly may increase your eyes' sensitivity to light over time unless your optometrist recommends otherwise.