PHOTOPHOBIA TREATMENT AT HOME
If you’re dealing with photophobia, you’re likely familiar with the discomfort and pain that can occur when exposed to bright environments. The good news is that there are many simple and effective photophobia treatments at home that you can try. In this article, we will review various natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can provide relief from light sensitivity and serve as effective home remedies for photophobia.
OVERVIEW
Photophobia, also known as Light sensitivity, is a condition characterized by extreme sensitivity of the eyes to light. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including eye infections, migraines, or prolonged screen time that causes eye strain. Although it is not a serious condition, photophobia can be quite uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities.
If you are struggling with photophobia, you may be looking for effective treatments that can be done at home. Fortunately, there are many simple and effective remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of photophobia. In this article, we’ll explore natural treatment options and lifestyle changes that specifically cater to photophobia treatment at home.
What is photophobia?
Photophobia is the discomfort or hypersensitivity to the light. It is a common eye condition associated with certain eye diseases.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What are the symptoms of photophobia?
Photophobia is the glare or inability to keep your eyes open during bright light conditions. It may be associated with
- mild headache,
- watering, itching, redness, brow ache.
- Nausea and dizziness
Causes of photophobia
Photophobia is associated with the following conditions
- Infections: These includes ulcers associated with bacteria, fungus or viruses or eyelid conditions.
- Inflammation: conditions include iritis, uveitis, glaucoma
- Trauma: any abrasion on the surface of cornea may lead to glare and photophobia. Burn injury may also be the causative factor.
- Contact lenses: if not used properly can cause photophobia due to toxicity or hypersensitivity.
- Migraine: People who experience migraines often have an increased sensitivity to light during their attacks. This sensitivity, is known as photophobia.
- Drugs: These includes cycloplegic drops such as atropine, cyclopentolate, phenylephrine etc.
- Refraction/ eye sight: certain people with high refractive error may suffer from photophobia.
- Ultraviolet light exposure
What deficiency causes photophobia?
Vitamin A plays a pivotal role in maintaining epithelial layer of the cornea. Any deficiency in vitamin A may cause xerosis of the cornea leading to glare and photophobia.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How is photophobia diagnosed?
Photophobia is diagnosed by your ophthalmologist with the help of slit lamp examination. There will be visible erosions on the cornea and staining punctate epithelial erosions. In case of corneal ulcer, ulcers will be visible on slit lamp and with the help of fluoresceine stain.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
What is the treatment for photophobia?
The treatment of photophobia starts with treating the cause. Any infective cause is treated with antibiotics. In other conditions, steroids may be used for inflammation. Quitting contact lens temporary may be beneficial in contact lens related photophobia. On the counter lubricants and topical steroids may be used with recurrent erosion induced photophobia.
Photokeratitis treatment eyedrops
These includes
- Topical antibiotics for infection
- Steroids for inflammation or hyphemia
- Pressure lowering drugs for raised intraocular pressure
- Lubricating eye drops
PHOTOPHOBIA TREATMENT AT HOME
Natural remedies of photophobia/ photophobia treatment at home
Some remedies may be applied for curing and treating signs and symptoms of photophobia at home. These includes
- Avoid rubbing: The significant discomfort can be reduced with avoiding repeated rubbing of the eyes.
- Cold compresses: Cold compresses are used to soothe the discomfort offered by photophobia. It can provide significant reduction in inflammation and itching.
- Lifestyle modification: These includes
- Avoiding going out in the sunlight.
- If it is important to go outside, it is better to used coated or tinted glasses.
- Reduced the light inside the house
- Regularly wash the eyes with cold water.
- While using a laptop or any screen, reduce the screen time and decrease the brightness of the screen.
4. Essential oils and herbs: Certain oils and herbs can be used for reducing discomfort. This includes Levander oil or coconut oil. Apply a few diluted drops around the eye to get a soothing effect.
5. Healthy diet: Healthy diet rich in anti-oxidants is crucial in keeping healthy eye epithelium. These include eating green leafy vegetables, and fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin A.
PREVENTION
How can photophobia be prevented?
- Photophobia can be prevented with the help of avoiding contact time with the infected person.
- Using the contact lenses with caution.
- Seeking immediate medical help in case of any eye trauma or inflammatory condition.
- Best photophobia glasses Avoiding exposure to UV light. This can be done with help of using dark-tinted glasses or polycarbonate glasses.
- Taking healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin A
OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS
What can I expect if I have photophobia?
Photophobia may be associated with severe discomfort and affecting your routine life. You may not be able to go outside as the discomfort may become painful. If you are working with a laptop, it would be better to take the above measures or better take a holiday.
CONCLUSION
Photophobia is painful and associated with discomfort but taking medical help well on time can reduce the condition in a short time.
FAQs
How long does photokeratitis last?
The duration of photokeratitis depends upon the causes of photokeratitis and the commencement of the treatment.
Are there other complications of UV ray exposure?
UV light exposure can be associated with cataract formation and retinal damage.
Do eye drops help sunburned eyes? / Can eye drops help photokeratitis?
Eye drops can reduce the discomfort and helps in rapid healing of the sunburned eyes.
Is photophobia serious?
Photophobia can be serious depending upon the cause of photophobia. If the photophobia is due to corneal infection, then immediate treatment should be started to avoid loss of vision.
Can photophobia go away?
Usually, photophobia is a temporary condition if and when treated on time.
Is photophobia a neurological problem?
It can be associated with neurological problem for example if exposure keratopathy is induced by trigeminal nerve damage, then the exposure itself can cause corneal abrasions and photophobia.
Which doctor to consult for photophobia?
Photophobia is treated by an ophthalmologist.
Can glasses help photophobia?
Photophobia can be reduced with the help of darked tinted or polycarbonate glasses.
References
- “Photophobia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Healthline, 5 Feb. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/photophobia.
- “Natural Remedies for Photophobia.” Bel Marra Health, 19 Feb. 2018, https://www.belmarrahealth.com/natural-remedies-photophobia/.
- “How to Reduce Eye Strain from Computer Use.” American Optometric Association, https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y.
- “Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 17 May 2021, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun.
- “Eyebright.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2020, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/eyebright.
