The eyes are sensitive to light. Create a new message. Meningitis and encephalitis

Excessive sensitivity of the organs of vision even to dim light is called photophobia or photosensitivity. Bright sun or simple daylight can cause itchy eyes and watery eyes. A factor that normally gives pleasure to healthy people becomes a problem if photophobia develops. This phenomenon is a symptom various diseases and problems visual system.

Causes of photophobia

How to determine that photophobia is developing:

• have to squint even in low light;
• a person blinks often to get rid of an unpleasant sensation;
• pain and burning under the eyelids;
• profuse tearing;
• the pupils are greatly dilated, and vision deteriorates;
• there are unpleasant reactions to sunlight - dizziness, nausea, headache.

Diseases and other causes of photophobia

• diseases of the visual system - conjunctivitis, keratitis, glaucoma, accompanied by inflammation; in this case, pain in the eyes, burning will be a reaction not only to light, but also to washing, the use of cosmetics;
• injury, grains of sand getting into the organs of vision, etc.;
• defeat by viral and bacterial infections - with influenza, measles, rabies, acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections;
• allergic reactions to the presence of animals, drugs, dust, food;
• poisoning with mercury-containing substances;
• reaction to stress, mental disorder;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• anomalies that develop in the tissues of the brain - tumors, cysts;
• long stay in front of the computer screen, TV.

Eyes hurt from the light

Problems with the appearance of hypersensitivity of the eyes can occur in both adults and children. At a young age, sunphobia can be a reaction to childhood illnesses such as measles or rubella.

To understand why photophobia began, you need to pay attention to the following signs: if the fear of light is noted in one eye, then this is most likely the result of injury or pathology of the organ of vision; if in both - an infection or a manifestation of an anomaly that develops in the brain.

What to do with increased photosensitivity

A person experiencing pain in the eyes even in low light, with redness of the sclera, accompanied by dizziness, with weakening visual function, should see a doctor immediately.

The doctor will determine in connection with which disease these signs have developed and prescribe treatment.

At the first signs of a deterioration in visual function due to developed photophobia, it is necessary to carry out supportive and preventive actions. These include homeopathic treatment.

Homeopathic treatment for photophobia

Homeopathic remedies help maintain the health of the visual organs, which is confirmed by many years of practice.

If at least once you have experienced how unpleasant the increased photosensitivity of the organs of vision, then your first-aid kit must have the following drugs:

With conjunctivitis, keratitis, glaucoma

1. (Mercurius solubilis) fixes the problem on initial stage, relieves the inflammatory process;
2. Mercurius corrosives (Mercurius corrosives) relieves the inflammatory process, reduces tearing, helps with photosensitivity;
3. (Arsenicum Yodatum) prescribed for inflammatory processes accompanied by edema;
4. (Apis) eliminates cutting sensations in the eyes, redness of the sclera, profuse lacrimation, photosensitivity;
5. (Ranunculus bulbosus) eliminates photophobia, lacrimation;
6. Calendula (Calendula) remove pain syndrome, remove inflammation, redness.

Photophobia (or photophobia, in medical terms) is discomfort in the eyes that appears in conditions of artificial and natural light, despite the fact that at dusk and complete darkness, a person’s eyes feel relatively normal.

Increased photosensitivity (this is another synonym for photophobia) may be accompanied by pain in the eyeballs, lacrimation, or a feeling of “filled sand” in them, which testifies in favor of eye diseases. This symptom It can also accompany pathologies of the nervous system, as well as diseases that occur with severe intoxication. Treatment for photophobia depends on the cause of the condition.

A bit of anatomy

The human eyeball is only one of the departments of the peripheral part of the visual analyzer. It only captures the image and transforms the "colors of the world" into a kind of "code" that is understandable to the nervous system. Further, the "encoded" information is transmitted along the optic nerve, which goes directly to the posterior pole of the eyeball, first to the subcortical centers of the brain, and then to its cortex. It is the latter, which is central part visual analyzer, and performs analytical work on the resulting image.

The eyeball consists of three shells:

External, fibrous

It is represented in front by a transparent cornea, on the other three sides (where eyeball closed from outside) fibrous tissue, called the sclera, is dense and opaque.

The cornea receives oxygen from the air. It is also supported by:

• a network of arteries located in the place where the cornea passes into the sclera;
• moisture in the anterior chamber of the eye;
• tear fluid secreted by lacrimal glands localized on the conjunctival membrane (this is a kind of mucous membrane that passes from inside eyelid on the sclera, not reaching the cornea);
• mucus secreted by the cells of the conjunctiva.

Inflammation of the sclera is called scleritis, the cornea is called keratitis, and the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis.

choroid

The choroid is the most rich in vessels and is divided into several parts:

• iris, inflammation of which is called "iritis". It is needed to regulate the flow of light into the eye, depending on the illumination;
• eyelash body. It is necessary in order to produce intraocular fluid, filter it and ensure its outflow. Its inflammation is called cyclitis;
• the choroid itself, the choroid, whose inflammation is called choroiditis.

Retina

Its inflammation is called "retinitis" - this is the inner shell of the eyeball. It is believed that this is a part of the brain that separated from it in the prenatal period, when the formation of the nervous system took place, and continues to communicate with it using the optic nerve. The retina is the structure that receives information about the image and will convert it into signals understandable nerve cells brain.

The main causes of photophobia

The causes of photophobia are the irritation of such systems of nerves:

Trigeminal nerve endings

which are incorporated in the structures of the anterior part of the eyeball: the cornea and departments choroid. Such photophobia becomes a symptom:

• glaucoma;
• conjunctivitis;
• eye injuries;
• iritis, cyclitis or iridocyclitis;
• keratitis;
• uveitis;
• allergic keratoconjunctivitis;
• foreign body cornea;
• corneal burns;
• electro- and snow ophthalmia;
• corneal erosion;
• flu;
• rubella;
• measles;
• improperly fitted contact lenses;
• computer vision syndrome.

Visual-nerve structures of the retina:

• when the eyes are irritated by bright light;
• with albinism, when the iris is light and does not protect the retina from bright rays;
• with pupil dilation, especially persistent, caused either by a brain tumor, or its edema, or by instillation of the eyes (for example, atropine or tropicamide), or by the use of certain drugs, or by botulism;
• with complete or partial absence of the iris;
• with color blindness;
• retinal detachment.

Photophobia can also be caused by such a process (this is typical for severe lesions of the cornea):

• nerves coming from the inflamed cornea go to the necessary part of the brain;
• some of them, as intended by nature, fall not only into that area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe subcortical structures that are “responsible” for the diseased eye, but also into the neighboring one, the one that should transmit impulses from a healthy eyeball to the cortex;
• in such a situation only complete removal a sick eyeball can save a healthy one.

Increased photosensitivity that develops with migraine, retrobulbar neuritis (this pathology can develop as independent disease, it is also characteristic of multiple sclerosis) or trigeminal neuralgia (it is most often caused by herpes zoster) is explained by this phenomenon. Impulses coming from the retina reach the subcortical nuclei. There they gather and go to the cortical structures. But, being preliminarily summarized and amplified in the subcortical nuclei of the corresponding nerve (for example, trigeminal), they exceed the threshold of sensitivity, which is why photophobia appears.

The mechanism of photosensitivity in brain pathologies such as abscess, its tumor, hemorrhage in the cranial cavity or inflammation meninges(meningitis) is not fully understood, and therefore it is not presented here.

Symptoms of photophobia

Photophobia is a complete intolerance to bright light for one or two eyes, while the light can be both natural and artificial. A person suffering from photophobia, when he enters the illuminated space, closes his eyes, squints, tries to protect the organs of vision with his hands. When wearing sunglasses, the situation improves somewhat.

Increased photosensitivity may be accompanied by:

• headache;
• lacrimation;
• pupil dilation;
• redness of the eyes;
• feeling of "sand" or "cutting" in the eyes;
• impaired visual acuity;
• obscurity of the outlines of objects.

Photophobia is a sign of eye diseases, if in addition to it there is a decrease in vision, redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, purulent discharge from them. If there are no such symptoms, most likely it is a pathology of the nervous system.

Depending on the accompanying manifestations of photophobia, one can approximately guess which diseases photophobia is a symptom of. This is what we will consider next.

If photophobia is accompanied by lacrimation

The appearance of both photophobia and lacrimation does not indicate damage to the lacrimal glands or lacrimal ducts. With such pathologies, there will be no increased photosensitivity, and lacrimation will increase in the cold and in the wind. The combination of these symptoms will occur in the following diseases:

mechanical injury

In this case, the very fact of injury takes place, that is, a person can say that he was hit, hit and a foreign body (insect, eyelash, splinter or splinter) or solution (for example, shampoo or soap) was removed. In this case there will be:

• photophobia;
• pain in the eye;
• blurring of the objects under consideration or a “veil” in front of the gaze;
• pronounced lacrimation;
• pupil constriction.

Symptoms are observed in the diseased eye.

Corneal lesions

This is its inflammation (keratitis), which has an infectious (including herpetic) or allergic nature, ulcer or erosion of the cornea, corneal burn. They have several similar symptoms, and only an ophthalmologist can distinguish them on the basis of an examination of the organ of vision:

• pain in the eye, especially pronounced with ulcers and burns of the cornea;
• photophobia;
• lacrimation;
• suppuration;
• involuntary closing of the eyelids;
• blurred vision;
• sensation of a foreign body under the eyelid;
• redness of the sclera;
• decrease in the transparency of the cornea (as if a film varying degrees turbidity, up to the state of "porcelain film" on the eye).

These diseases begin acutely, can last for a long time, can lead to the formation of walleye and blindness.

Symptoms are almost always unilateral. Bilateral lesion, mainly appears with autoimmune lesion organs of vision.

Conjunctivitis

Begins acute conjunctivitis with the appearance of pain and pain in the eyes. The latter turn red, in some areas small hemorrhages may be noticeable. A large amount of tears, mucus and pus is released from the conjunctival sac (because of this, the eyes “turn sour”). Moreover, it worsens general well-being: headache appears, the temperature rises, malaise develops.

Herpetic (herpes zoster) lesion of the trigeminal nerve

It is manifested by the following symptoms:

• the appearance of prodromal phenomena: malaise, headache, fever and chills;
• even near one eye in a certain area, discomfort appears from mild itching to severe, “drilling” or burning, deep pain;
• then the skin in this place becomes reddened, swollen, painful;
• vesicles with transparent contents appear on the skin;
• tearing and redness of the eye on the affected side;
• after healing, which is accelerated by applying Acyclovir (Gerpevir) in ointment or Acyclovir in tablets to the rash, crusts form at the site of the rash, which can scar with defects;
• even after healing, eye pain and lacrimation may persist long time.

SARS, influenza

These diseases are manifested not only by lacrimation and photophobia. Here there is an increase in temperature, runny nose (with influenza - not from the first day), cough. The flu is also characterized by pain in the muscles, bones, headaches, pain when moving the eyeballs.

Snowy or electrophthalmia

These lesions of the peripheral eye analyzer, arising from exposure to ultraviolet rays from welding or from the sun reflected from snow, appear:

• photophobia;
• lacrimation;
• feeling of sand or a foreign body in the eyes;
• clouding of the corneal epithelium;
• redness of the sclera;
• forced closing of the eyes.

Abiotrophy of the retina

This is the name of the genetically determined process in which the rods and cones responsible for the formation of the picture gradually die off on the retina. The defeat almost always covers both eyes, develops gradually, is accompanied by:

• photophobia;
• not very pronounced lacrimation;
• gradual narrowing of the visual fields (a smaller panorama can be covered at a glance);
• night blindness;
• eyes get tired very quickly;
• the sharpness of color and black-and-white vision gradually decreases;
• after a while the person becomes blind.

Anomalies in the development of the eyeballs

For example, the complete absence of the iris may be accompanied by:

1. photophobia;
2. lacrimation;
3. a person sees practically nothing, closes his eyes with his hand in the light;
4. eyeballs, when trying to fix the gaze, make sweeping movements to the right and left or up and down.

There is also innate partial absence irises. It manifests itself with similar symptoms that are not so pronounced.

Chronic retinitis

Inflammation of the retina is caused by microbes that have entered the inner membrane of the eye, being carried by blood from the site of infection, or due to direct trauma to the eye. The disease proceeds without eye pain. The following symptoms are present:

• decreased vision;
• deterioration in the adaptation of vision in the dark;
• vagueness of objects;
• deterioration in color vision;
• sensation of "flashes", "sparks", "lightning" in the eyes.

retinal melanoma

Such a malignant tumor, which develops from melanin-producing cells lying on the retina, is manifested by the following symptoms:

• blurred vision;
• redness of the sclera;
• eye pain;
• pupil shape change.

Acute retinal detachment

This eye-threatening disease occurs when eye injuries as a complication inflammatory pathologies other membranes of the eye, intraocular tumors, hypertension, toxicosis of pregnancy, occlusion of the lumen (occlusion) central artery retina.

The disease is characterized by the appearance of flashes of light, floating lines, "flies" or black dots in front of the eye. This may be accompanied by pain in the eyes. With progressive discharge of the internal eye shell are noted:

• a veil before the eyes, which tends to increase up to overlapping the entire field of vision;
• visual acuity decreases. Sometimes, in the morning, vision may improve for a short time, as the liquid resolves during the night, and the retina “sticks” to its original place for a while;
• may begin to see double.

The disease can slowly progress and, if left untreated, result in complete loss of vision in the affected eye.

Acute disorders of metabolism and circulation of fluid in the eye

The main one is glaucoma, which can proceed for a long time without visible symptoms, and then appear as acute attack. It is characterized by:

• pupil dilation and, accordingly, photophobia;
• pain in the eye;
• pain in the head, especially in the back of the head, on the affected side;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• weakness.

Retinopathy, including diabetic

These are pathologies of the retina, in which its blood supply is disturbed, as a result, both it and the next optic nerve gradually atrophy, leading to blindness. May occur due to diabetes, hypertension, trauma and other pathologies in which the blood circulation of the retina is not disturbed acutely, but occurs gradually.

Symptoms of retinopathy depend on its type, as well as on the location of the affected vessel. The main manifestations are:

• spots floating before the eyes;
• narrowing of the visual fields;
• floating "shroud";
• progressive loss of vision;
• color vision disorder.

Intraocular hemorrhage

Symptoms of this pathology depend on the localization of hemorrhages. So, with a hemorrhage in the anterior chamber of the eye (hyphema), an area is visible on the eyeball where blood has poured out, but vision does not suffer. If hemorrhage occurs in the area vitreous body(hemophthalmos), there are flashes of light and “flies” moving with the movements of the eyeballs.

Hemorrhage under the conjunctiva looks like a purple spot on the eye that does not disappear for a long time.

If blood has poured into the cavity of the orbit, a marked protrusion of the affected eye, difficulty in moving it, decreased vision.

Rabies

This is a disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal (these are foxes, dogs, less often cats). Its first manifestations can begin even a few years after the bite and consist in:

• photophobia;
• hydrophobia;
• copious salivation;
• sound phobia;
• lacrimation.

Paralysis of the oculomotor nerves

As a result of this condition, a person cannot move the eye in any direction (depending on which nerve is damaged), which leads to strabismus and double vision. When asked to follow a moving object, fast, sweeping movements of the gaze are noticeable.

Lack of melanin in the iris

This disease, called albinism, is visible to the naked eye - by a light, sometimes even red iris (this is how the vessels of the retina are translucent). The skin may be light, highly sensitive to light, but also the level of melanin in it may remain unchanged.

Eye manifestations are as follows:

• strabismus;
• photophobia;
• sweeping involuntary movements of the eyes;
• tearing in bright light;
• decreased visual acuity despite the fact that there are no changes in the structures of the eye.

Increased thyroid function

A person suffering from this disease loses weight increased appetite, becomes more nervous, he is often worried about fear, insomnia. The patient's pulse is quickened, speech is accelerated, tearfulness and impaired concentration are observed. From the side of the eyes, their protrusion is noted, and since the eyelids cannot completely cover the eyeballs, dryness, pain in the eyes, lacrimation and photophobia appear.

Irit

This is an inflammation of the iris of the eye that occurs as a result of trauma, allergic reactions and systemic diseases. It begins with the occurrence of severe pain in the eye, which then capture both the temple and the head. Eye pain worse in light and when pressing on the eye. With the progression of the disease, photophobia appears, the pupils narrow, the person blinks frequently.

Uveitis

This is the name of the inflammation of all parts of the choroid of the eye. The disease is characterized by:

• redness of the eyes;
• increased photosensitivity;
• sore eyes;
• lacrimation;
• floating spots before the eyes;
• eye irritation.

Migraine

Pathology associated with a violation of the innervation of the vessels of the head, manifested:

• pain usually in one side of the head;
• photophobia, usually on both sides;
• nausea;
• intolerance to loud sounds and bright lights;
• lacrimation.

Meningitis and encephalitis

These inflammatory processes arising as a result of microbes entering the membranes or substance of the brain. They are manifested by headache, fever, photophobia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lacrimation. With encephalitis appear focal symptoms: facial asymmetry, paralysis or paresis, swallowing disorder, convulsions.

Hemorrhagic stroke

A combination of photophobia and lacrimation is also characteristic of hemorrhage in the cranial cavity. The temperature rises, there may be convulsions, focal neurological symptoms.

If photophobia is accompanied by eye pain

The combination of eye pain and photophobia is characteristic of eye diseases:

1. Mechanical trauma to the cornea;
2. Corneal burns;
3. corneal ulcer;
4. Keratoconjunctivitis;
5. Endophthalmitis - purulent abscess located in internal structures eyes. It is characterized by pain in the eye, progressive loss of vision, floating spots in the visual field. Eyelids and conjunctiva swell and redden. Pus flows from the eye.
6. Acute attack of glaucoma.

If photophobia is accompanied by redness of the eyes

When redness of the eyes and photophobia go hand in hand, this may indicate:

• Mechanical injury to the eye;
• Keratite;
• Corneal burns;
• corneal ulcer;
• Acute anterior uveitis (this is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body). It is manifested by pain in the eyes, blurred vision, redness around the cornea, a decrease in the diameter of the pupil;
• Conjunctivitis, which is manifested by photophobia, redness of both eyes, purulent discharge out of the eyes, photophobia. Visual acuity, corneal luster, and pupillary response to light were unchanged.

When photophobia is combined with a rise in temperature

The combination of photophobia and temperature is typical for the pathologies discussed above:

1. meningitis;
2. encephalitis;
3. endophthalmitis;
4. purulent uveitis;
5. hemorrhagic stroke;
6. sometimes - trigeminal neuralgia;
7. brain abscess. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, sinusitis or other purulent pathology, the temperature rises, headache, nausea, and vomiting appear. Focal symptoms also appear: facial asymmetry, paralysis or paresis, impaired swallowing or breathing, personality changes.

When photosensitivity is accompanied by a headache

If photophobia and headache are equally disturbing, it may be:

• brain abscess.
• Migraine.
• Meningitis.
• Encephalitis.
• Acromegaly is a disease resulting from increased output growth hormone in an adult whose growth has ended. The main reason is a hormone-producing tumor of the part of the pituitary gland that synthesizes growth hormone. Photophobia does not appear as the first symptom, but as the disease progresses. The first symptoms are headaches, enlargement of the nose, lips, ears, lower jaw, joint pain, deterioration in the quality of sexual life and reproductive function person.
• Stroke.
• Tension headache. It manifests itself as a monotonous, squeezing headache, as if with a “hoop” or “vice”, that occurs after overwork. It is accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, photophobia.
• Acute attack of glaucoma.

When hypersensitivity of the eyes is accompanied by nausea

When nausea and photophobia go "together", most often this indicates an increase in intracranial, intraocular pressure, or significant intoxication. This is possible with such pathologies as:

• meningitis;
• encephalitis;
• brain abscess;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• migraine.

If you feel pain in the eyes and photophobia

Eye pain and photophobia can be the main signs of pathologies such as:

1. keratitis;
2. conjunctivitis;
3. uveitis;
4. burns or ulcers of the cornea;
5. trigeminal neuralgia;
6. astigmatism is one of the types of visual acuity impairment;
7. blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by a microbial agent. It is manifested by swelling, redness and thickening of the edges of the eyelids, accumulation of gray-white mucus in the corners of the eyes, redness of the conjunctiva. Instead of mucus, scales may accumulate in the corners of the eyes. yellow color or particles resembling dandruff on the head.

Photophobia in children

Photophobia in a child may indicate:

• foreign body in the eye;
• conjunctivitis;
• snowy ophthalmia;
• paralysis oculomotor nerve;
• hyperfunctions thyroid gland;
• a decrease in the amount of melanin in the iris;
• acrodynia - specific disease, which is manifested by increased sweating on the palms and feet, which also become pink and sticky. There is also an increase blood pressure, tachycardia, loss of appetite and photophobia. Such a child becomes hypersensitive to infection, which tends to generalize in the body and lead to death.

symptom therapy

The treatment of photophobia is entirely based on the cause of this symptom. For this you need ophthalmic diagnostics, since many eye diseases are similar to each other. To make a diagnosis, the following studies are needed:

1. Ophthalmoscopy - examination of the fundus through a previously dilated pupil.
2. Biomicroscopy - examination in a special slit lamp for changes in the vitreous body and areas of the fundus.
3. Perimetry - checking the visual fields.
4. Tonometry - measurement of intraocular pressure.
5. Gonioscopy is an examination of the corner of the eye where the iris meets the cornea.
6. Pachymetry is the measurement of the thickness of the cornea.
7. Ultrasound of the eye helps to examine the transparent media of the eye when it is impossible to perform ophthalmoscopy.
8. Fluorescein angiography is a study of the patency of the vessels that feed the structures of the eye.
9. Optical coherence tomography - helps to detect changes in the tissues of the retina.
10. Electroretinography - helps to carefully study the work of the retina.
11. Culture of discharge from the conjunctival sac for viruses ( PCR method), bacteria and fungi.

If the results ophthalmic examination the person is healthy, examination at the neuropathologist is necessary. This specialist also prescribes additional studies:

• MRI of the brain;
• electrocephalography;
• dopplerography of the vessels of the neck, which are sent to the cranial cavity.

An ultrasound of the thyroid gland, the determination of the hormones produced by this gland in the blood, and x-rays of the lungs are also prescribed. If signs of hyperthyroidism or diabetic retinopathy are detected, treatment is carried out by an endocrinologist. If there is evidence for a tuberculous process in the cornea and conjunctiva, therapy is prescribed by a phthisiatrician.

What can be done before consulting specialists

We do not recommend delaying the visit to the doctor, since a seemingly banal photophobia can hide a malignant brain tumor that is rapidly progressing. But while you're waiting for your doctor's appointment or for a study, you don't have to suffer from daylight. To alleviate the condition, buy polarized sunglasses, which will make it possible to reduce the dose of ultraviolet entering the eye. In addition, you need:

• stop rubbing your eyes;
• reduce the time spent sitting at the computer;
• use drops like "Vidisik" containing artificial tears;
• with purulent discharge, use drops with antiseptics or antibiotics: Okomistin, Levomycetin drops, Tobradex and others. At the same time, an examination by an ophthalmologist is mandatory, since the purulent process can affect deeper parts of the eye, to which local antiseptic"does not get";
• if photophobia appeared as a result of a bruise, injury or burn of the eye, emergency ophthalmological care is needed. Pre-drip your eyes antiseptic drops, apply a sterile bandage on top, and call an ambulance.

Photophobia is an increased sensitivity of the organs of vision to bright light. The cause of photophobia of the eyes can be both diseases and a long stay of a person in a room with a lack of lighting. Also, damage can occur due to the reception some medicines . Most often, a noticeable dilation of the pupils is observed, which refers to the cause of the sun's rays hitting the retina of the eye.

The oculomotor nerve is designed to regulate pupil size indicator in order to ensure a normal vision of surrounding objects when varying degrees illumination around. The flow of light through the refractive system to the retina is limited by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The action of the first can lead to a noticeable expansion of the pupil, and the second to its narrowing. In a dark room, the pupil begins to increase in diameter, and in the light it becomes smaller.

Photophobia is a sign that the pupil from the external environment gets too much light, which negatively affects the nervous system, which is why the pupil reacts with irritation. Bright rays can provoke pain in the head, epileptic seizures, other negative feelings.

Causes of photophobia:

• the development of a migraine attack, increased rate level intracranial pressure with epilepsy, hypertension, eclampsia in pregnant women;
• alcohol intoxication, drug intoxication, hangover;
• exposure to drugs that significantly dilate the pupil;
• pathologies in the central nervous system with craniocerebral injuries, tumors, neuroinfections, strokes and multiple sclerosis;
• allergic infections and ODS diseases;
• albinism;
• : conjunctiva, iris or cornea;
• pathology in the circular muscle, which narrows the pupil after injuries and various tumors.

This list is far from complete, there are a large number of diseases that cause photophobia. Photophobia is more typical for epilepsy attacks, traumatic brain injuries, encephalitis and other diseases that go along with cerebral edema, eye damage and injuries that develop intolerance to bright colors. sun rays.

The main symptoms of photophobia

Sunny and other too bright light source can provoke pain in the head and eyes. In the presence of photosensitive epilepsy may develop seizures . Photophobia of the eyes may go away along with symptoms such as:

• itching of the conjunctiva;
• lacrimation;
• dizziness and palpitations;
• deterioration in visual acuity, white flies when looking into the distance;
• the process of salivation, the development of epilepsy with foam.

With traumatic brain injury, epilepsy or eclampsia, there may be seizures that occur due to sunlight, odors and harsh sounds coming from the external environment.

Photophobia and lacrimation

The development of photophobia and lacrimation may indicate the presence of a special lesion. lacrimal glands and tear ducts. With the development of such a lesion, an increase sensitivity index to the light, and lacrimation is worse in the wind or in the cold. If such symptoms are combined, then this indicates the presence of the following diseases.

Mechanical injury

If there is an eye injury, then a person may complain of a feeling that a foreign body has got into the eye or has been received swipe , penetration into the eye of chemical solutions (soap or shampoo) can also occur. In this case there is:

• pupil constriction;
• severe lacrimation;
• when looking at nearby objects, there is a blur or a veil before the eyes;
• Pain in the eyes;
• high sensitivity to light.

All these symptoms can be found on the damaged eye.

Corneal deformity

The process of inflammation of the membrane of the eye, or keratitis, which has an infectious (including herpetic) or allergic breed of origin, retinal burns, erosion or ulcers. All this provokes similar symptoms, so to distinguish exact reason disease can only be a professional ophthalmologist after a thorough examination of the visual organ of the patient:

• redness of the sclera of the eyes;
• deterioration in visual acuity;
• a decrease in the transparency of the cornea (there is a film of varying degrees of turbidity, including the development of a porcelain film);
• under the eyelid, the presence of a foreign body is felt;
• there is an involuntary process of closing the eyelids;
• suppuration;
• lacrimation;
• photophobia;
• pain in the eyes, pain after an ulcer or burn of the cornea is considered especially pronounced.

The disease begins acutely and can last for a long time, as a result of which an eyesore and blindness will form on the eye.

Symptoms in this case are almost always unilateral. Bilateral lesion in most cases is formed in the presence of autoimmune disorder in the visual organ.

Development of conjunctivitis

Acute conjunctivitis begins with severe pain and stinging in the eyes. The shell of the eyes begins to turn very red and in some places small hemorrhages may begin. Due to inflammation, pus, mucus, and also tears begin to separate from the conjunctival sac. In addition, a strong deterioration in the patient's condition begins: there is general malaise, pain in the head, begins to rise significantly temperature level body.

Herpetic diseases of the trigeminal nerve

With this disease there are:

• prodromal phenomena in the body: fever body, malaise, chills, headache;
• near the eye, a feeling of discomfort begins to arise due to severe itching, boring, deep pain;
• after that, the skin in the affected area begins to redden, swell and hurt;
• further, bubbles form on the surface of the skin, which are completely filled with transparent exudate;
• redness and tearing of the eyes due to the lesion;
• at the end of healing, which can be accelerated with the help of Acyclovir ointment, crusts begin to actively form at the site of the rash, which scar and then leave strong defects;
• after healing is completed, the pain begins to disappear, but lacrimation may continue to persist for a long time.

SARS and influenza

Such diseases are characterized not only by photophobia, but also by increased lacrimation eye. There is also a significant increase in body temperature, cough and runny nose. The flu is also characterized by the presence of a headache in the muscles and bones, diseases in the eyeballs when you change the direction of your gaze.

photophobia allergic

Snow and electric ophthalmia

Such lesions of the peripheral analyzer occur after prolonged exposure ultraviolet radiation the sun reflected in the snow. As a result of this, a characteristic reddening of the sclera, photophobia and lacrimation are formed.

Diseases and drugs that provoke complications

Cerebral edema due to compression of the ventricles by numerous tumors can lead to disruption nuclei of the oculomotor nerve. Accumulation a large number fluid in the cavity (ventricles) leads to disruption of the functioning of the human central nervous system, including damage to the third pair of cranial nerves.

1. An increased level of intracranial pressure occurs with hypertension, diseases in the kidneys, and the heart due to the accumulation of fluid inside the body. Excess fluid begins to emerge through choroid plexus at the bottom of the lateral ventricles. meningitis, tick-borne encephalitis, influenza infection - all this can lead to edema as a result.
2. Eclampsia in a pregnant woman occurs as a result of kidney failure as a complication of preeclampsia. Such defeat develops epileptic seizures preceded by poor sensitivity to light.
3. With intoxication of the body or a feeling of fear, the sympathetic nervous system, which results in high level photosensitivity. People with a fear of bright light have mental illness, it is also called heliphobia.
4. Albinism - a disease of a genetic breed, is described by violations of the synthesis of melanin, which protects the retina from exposure to too bright light and sunlight. With the development of such a pathology, the child has a fear sunlight.
5. The sensitivity of one eye can increase significantly with damage to the apex of the lung of the same name. tuberculosis disease. In this case, the patient has dilated pupils, which leads to photophobia.

Action medical preparations may lead to increased photosensitivity. These include medications such as:

• doxycycline;
• Salicylates;
• Cholinolytics: Bellastezin, Atropine, Metacin, Scopolamine, Platifillin, Amitriptyline.

Atropine is used to prepare the eye for an examination. This process leads to mydriasis - the expansion of the pupil. As a result, it passes through big number sun rays and a stable fear of the sun and sunlight is formed.

Diagnosis of the disease and its prevention

To exclude all organic brain injuries ( intracranial hematomas, tumors and hydrocephalus) the patient uses MRI. If complications are suspected when bearing a child, it is important to donate blood for a biochemical analysis (urea and creatine) and urine, in which it is very often possible to detect a protein that indicates violations in normal functioning kidneys.

An electroencephalogram is very important for assessing the excitation index of the cerebral cortex, determining the location of an ectopic lesion that causes epileptic seizures and fear of light. If the doctor diagnoses geleophobia, then the patient visits a psychiatrist.

When conducting a diagnosis, it is very important to exclude alcohol intoxication and drugs, as well as to conduct tests for the presence of such substances in the patient's blood.

Before going to the doctor, you do not need to suffer from bright daylight at all. To facilitate general state you need to purchase special polarized sunglasses that will help reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation entering the retina. You also need:

• reduce the number of hours per day of working at the computer;
• stop rubbing your eyes;
• apply drops Vidiksik, which are considered a good remedy artificial tears;
• in the presence of purulent discharge in the eyes, it is best to use special drops with antibiotics or antiseptics Tobradex, Okomistin, chloramphenicol drops. With all this, the attending physician should carefully examine the patient, since purulent processes can also affect the deeper layers of the eye, to which the local agent simply does not reach;
• if photophobia appeared due to a burn, bruise or injury to the eye, then you should immediately provide the patient with ophthalmological care. First, you should drip the eyeball with drops with an antiseptic effect in the composition, and apply sterile gauze to the eye.

There is no need to delay seeking help from a treating specialist, otherwise such a seemingly insignificant reason can provoke the development malignant tumor in the brain, which will begin to progress rapidly.

Attention, only TODAY!

Text: Irina Sergeeva

Eye Sensitivity: When Not to Worry

When we feel temporary discomfort when moving from shade to bright light, this is normal. Even more - in most cases, increased eye sensitivity. So, with a cold, infectious diseases nasal sinuses and even if particles of dirt get into the eyes, irritation of the nerves extending from the eyes to the brain can occur. They send alarm signals into the brain, and so you start to squint your eyes in normal daylight.

Also, the sensitivity of the eyes can increase when we take certain antibiotics, antihistamines and other medicines. Also if you are used to wearing Sunglasses to prevent the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, your eyes will become less able to tolerate bright light. But this kind of hypersensitivity of the eyes to light is not great danger for a person.

Eye sensitivity: when to see a doctor?

When should you see a doctor?

• If you suddenly develop hypersensitivity of the eyes to bright light and this phenomenon lasts for more than one hour.


• If, in addition to increased sensitivity to light, you experience pain or pressure in your eyes, and you see a halo around the light source.


• If your eyes become more sensitive to light or interfere with your daily activities.

Intolerance to bright light can also be a consequence of the aging process. From around the age of 40, people become more sensitive to the dazzling effects of light reflected, for example, from the polished surface of the hood of a car. lakes or snow-covered benches. This change in the light sensitivity of the eyes occurs due to the aging of the lenses, which become thicker and cloudier, distorting the scattering of light and causing a sensation of dazzling.

There is another fairly common disorder. called degeneration yellow spot. In this case, damage to light-sensitive cells occurs, which in normal condition provide eye adaptation to bright light. These disorders occur predominantly in the elderly.

Hypersensitivity to light may also be one of the early warning signs of glaucoma, although this disease is most characteristic symptoms are visual disturbances and pain.

Any visual disturbances with a sudden onset require immediate medical attention. If it turns out that you are suffering from glaucoma, the sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of maintaining vision. In the presence of eye adaptation disorders when moving from bright light to a dark environment, for example, while driving, you can think of initial manifestations macular degeneration. Unfortunately, few treatments for the most common forms of this disease are effective. As a result, the case ends with visual impairment in the form of the so-called funnel syndrome, when a person loses the ability to see objects directly in front of him.

Light sensitivity is manifested by discomfort in the eyes. This condition is usually felt due to daylight or artificial lighting. With the advent of twilight, such discomfort in the eyes usually disappears.

What is this state?

The human eye is designed in such a way that in order to catch light, it needs to distinguish two colors at once. If a person has impaired color perception, then the lighting causes discomfort to the eyes.. solar lighting- this is the optimal light that the human eye is used to tuning into.

In sunlight, it has two properties for assessing the environment - quantity and quality. The characteristic of quantity indicates the degree of brightness of the sensation, and the characteristic of quality indicates the color sensation of the eyes itself. This perception always depends on two factors - the wavelength of light and the composition of the spectrum.

With changes in the proportions of one or two analyzers in the eyes, the photosensitivity increases. If one of the spectra is amplified, then the person experiences pain in the eye.

To diagnose the degree of excess photosensitivity of the eyes in a person, a certain test is carried out. For this, the patient himself is placed in a completely dark room. Under such conditions, it is possible to determine how strongly such a sharp light transition affects the patient's eye. Normally, the threshold of susceptibility is healthy organ vision is several tens of photons per second. This speed of the light flux is directed to the human eye in complete darkness. The upper limit of the flux in this case is more than one thousand photons per second. Normal eyes of a teenager and young man should adapt to the dark for no more than one minute. Older adults may have longer adaptation times.

Causes of discomfort

A short discomfort caused by a sharp change in lighting is absolutely normal and, in the absence of pathologies, a few seconds pass. In some cases, adaptation can take up to two minutes, which is also considered the norm.

If a person has colds or any infection, especially if this disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature, then the time of adaptation to light will be increased. Under such conditions, the person will also notice that simple sunlight is very irritating to the eyes.

If a person constantly uses sunglasses, practically without removing them for a long time, the sensitivity of the eyes to light will be increased even indoors. This is due to the fact that long wearing sunglasses allows the eyes to adapt to a comfortable constantly subdued light and after taking off the glasses, even indoors, the eyes will adapt for a long time.

There are also a number of other factors that can increase the sensitivity of the eyes to light:

• this effect can be given by taking certain medications;
• age-related changes in the organ of vision can give increased photosensitivity;
• certain unfavourable conditions work that adversely affects the eyes;
• tobacco and alcohol use;
• long sitting in front of a computer or TV screen;
• transferred burns of the cornea of ​​​​the eye;
• when wearing incorrectly selected ones, an unpleasant sensation may occur, including a reaction to light. It can also occur with improper storage and use of expired lenses;

• heredity plays a big role in the occurrence of various pathologies of the eye;
• various eye diseases.

In the table below, we consider eye diseases whose symptom is photosensitivity.

It must be remembered that if there is a constant discomfort in the eyes or a deterioration in vision itself, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor to identify possible pathologies. Many eye diseases can only be stopped at an early stage of development.

Many people notice that short-term attacks occur on sunny winter days. Such a phenomenon called snowy ophthalmia' is the norm. It arises from the fact that the sunlight reflected in the snow covers greatly irritates the organ of vision. The longer we watch the snow cover on a clear day, the longer our vision will recover, but this phenomenon is absolutely not dangerous. In winter, a person usually increases the time to adapt to bright light, which is also normal.

In winter, the time for adaptation to light is longer - this is normal.

There are times when adaptation does not occur even within a few hours. At the same time, a person may experience the occurrence of lacrimation, pain in the eyes even in subdued light, pain, a person may involuntarily close his eyes. When exposed to bright light, a person may experience a headache. This indicates the development of any disease of the organ of vision. If these symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Symptoms

The presence of increased photosensitivity in a person is manifested by certain symptoms:

• the appearance of a moderate headache;
• pupils are in an expanded state;
• redness of the conjunctiva and sometimes the eyeball;
• the outlines of objects that a person looks at become blurry, unclear;
• it becomes difficult for a person to focus his eyes;
• the patient feels a burning sensation, as if "sand was poured into the eyes."

Each symptom of hypersensitivity has its own explanation. When you experience these symptoms knowledgeable person can immediately suggest a diagnosis.

Lachrymation can be observed not only with increased photosensitivity. It also appears with any eye injury or when a foreign body or an irritating substance, such as soap, enters the eye. In this case, additional symptoms will be observed, such as the appearance before the eyes, which interferes with focusing the gaze, pain at the site of the lesion, while the pupil will involuntarily narrow.

Lachrymation can also manifest itself with various damage to the cornea of ​​​​the eye. Allergies and inflammation can be the cause, as well as mechanical damage, burns and the occurrence of corneal erosion.

In this case, in addition to lacrimation, the patient will also experience pus in the eyes, increased pain in the affected eye, and a decrease in the focus of vision. Also, often with such a pathology, a person cannot open his eyes. All attempts are accompanied by involuntary closure of the affected organ. Redness of the skin around the eye and conjunctiva is also noticeable.

Photophobia in children

The main reason for the high photosensitivity of the eyes is observed in childhood, is congenital absence of melanin pigment in a child in the iris of the eye.

There are also a number of other pathologies in which photophobia occurs in children. Conjunctivitis is a very common disease in childhood. This disease has different etiology. Conjunctivitis can be allergic, viral and bacterial. This disease is manifested by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye. In the presence of such an ailment, one of its main manifestations is increased photosensitivity, as well as an involuntary strong flow of tears.

Increased photosensitivity in children can be a symptom of a disease such as motor nerve palsy. This pathology is manifested by incomplete opening upper eyelid eyes. Also, with this disease, the pupil of the eye does not have the ability to expand and contract, reacting to light. Such a disease has many causes, but in any case it is accompanied by severe photophobia.

There is another baby pretty rare disease, which is called acrodynia. With such a pathology, the skin of the upper and lower limbs always has a pinkish tint. When touched, it feels sticky. This disease is characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure and heavy sweating. It also has such a symptom as high photosensitivity of the eyes.

If a child has symptoms of photosensitivity, do not independent application any medicines and prescriptions traditional medicine. Such self-treatment can give serious complications up to total loss the child's vision. If any symptoms occur, you should immediately show the child to the pediatrician.

Prevention of hypersensitivity

There are a number special requirements, which must be performed to prevent the occurrence of increased photosensitivity of the eyes, as well as any other diseases of the organ of vision, including a gradual decrease in its sharpness. In particular, those people who have a profession related to working at a computer, as well as those whose relatives suffered from diseases of the organ of vision, should pay attention to these rules. You need to constantly monitor the hygiene of your hands. Avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands, as well as dirty or other people's handkerchiefs, towels, etc.

There is a certain category of professions associated with negative impact to the human eye. One of these professions is a welder. When working with welding, you must follow all safety regulations and work in a special protective mask or goggles.

If a person experiences persistent dry eyes, especially in evening time, it is necessary to use special drops that are completely identical in composition to the composition of human tears. Dry eyes are usually more prone to people who have a profession associated with constant work at the computer. The use of drops containing the composition of "artificial tears" will help to avoid inflammation of the eye.

It is necessary to carry out daily treatment. An ophthalmologist should familiarize the patient with these exercises, selecting an individual list of exercises for each patient, depending on the state of his vision and diagnosis.

When going outside in the summer, protect your eyesight with dark glasses that properly protect your eyes from direct sunlight. It is important to avoid contact of unprotected eyes with the sun. It must be remembered that glasses not purchased in specialized stores will not be able to properly protect the eyes from sunlight.

If you experience symptoms or discomfort in the eyes should be immediately diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. It must be remembered that various pathologies and degenerative destruction of eye tissues can only be stopped by early stages occurrence. That's why early diagnosis eye diseases is very important.

It must also be remembered that the use of different folk recipes in the fight against photosensitivity or any other symptoms are undesirable, since such treatment may not only not give results, but also lead to more serious consequences.

Summing up

Photophobia is a phenomenon that can become a “bell” about any pathologies associated with the eyes. If a person observes such a symptom for a long time, he should be examined by a doctor and find out for sure if he has any disorders related to the organ of vision.

Video - What to do with increased photosensitivity?