High sensitivity of the eyes to light. If photophobia is accompanied by lacrimation. Snow and electric ophthalmia

Photosensitivity of the eyes is a heightened sensitivity of the organs of vision to light, which is accompanied by involuntary closing of the eyelids, and in some cases, lacrimation. This usually happens after the transition from darkness to light or vice versa. It is difficult for the retina to adapt to new conditions, resulting in non-derivative lacrimation and closure of the eyelids. Increased photosensitivity, which is also called photophobia, can occur due to such factors:

taking certain medications that provoke pupil dilation;
unfavorable working conditions;
bad habits;
intensive work at the computer and constant TV viewing;
infections;
heredity;
eye diseases.

Note that short-term photophobia is quite normal and does not need treatment. As a rule, this happens with a sharp change in lighting, for example, turning on the light and lasts no more than 2-3 seconds. If a person's eyes are constantly too sensitive to light, this indicates a disorder of the visual system.

Photophobia can be accompanied by serious eye diseases and become a symptom of an eye disease.

That is why this problem must be taken very seriously and in no case be launched.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

People with this disease try to protect their eyes from bright light. This is understandable, since with photophobia a person reacts very painfully to both artificial and natural light. Sometimes this disorder is accompanied by headaches. Very often, increased photosensitivity is inherited. In that case, this eye condition not associated with any disease.

At the first symptoms of photophobia, you should definitely contact an ophthalmologist. Only he can carefully check the eyes, make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment. For diagnostics importance have causes of the disease, as well as symptoms. As a rule, the following procedures are carried out for diagnosis:

Ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp examination.
Light sensitivity test.
Examination of the eyeball.

There are also other diagnostic methods, but in practice these are mainly used.

How are they treated

Treatment is prescribed depending on the causes of hypersensitivity of the eye. In general, therapy for photophobia is aimed at reducing discomfort in the eye.

People who this disease inherited, it is recommended not to go out without sunglasses. It is very important that the glasses also have a UV filter. In addition, it is recommended to massage the eyelids to improve blood circulation.

If the disease is not hereditary, doctors can prescribe special eye drops to the patient, which should contain moisturizing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components. Taking these drops for several days allows you to get rid of photophobia. How to increase light resistance? Get a massage, avoid the computer.

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 can also accompany pathologies 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 the eyeball is closed from the external environment), 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 even in the prenatal period, when the formation of the nervous system took place, and continues to communicate with it using 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 sections of the 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 neuralgia trigeminal nerve(it is caused most often by herpes zoster) is explained by such a 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 photophobia and lacrimation at the same time does not indicate a lesion lacrimal glands or tear 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: appears headache, 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, pain in the eye and lacrimation can persist for a 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:

photophobia;
lacrimation;
a person sees practically nothing, closes his eyes with his hand in the light;
eyeballs when trying to fix the gaze, they 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 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 optic nerve following it gradually atrophy, which leads 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 starts with the emergence 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 loud sounds and bright light;
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:

Mechanical trauma to the cornea;
Corneal burns;
corneal ulcer;
Keratoconjunctivitis;
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.
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:

meningitis;
encephalitis;
endophthalmitis;
purulent uveitis;
hemorrhagic stroke;
sometimes - trigeminal neuralgia;
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, mandible, pain in the joints, 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:

keratitis;
conjunctivitis;
uveitis;
burns or ulcers of the cornea;
trigeminal neuralgia;
astigmatism is one of the types of visual acuity impairment;
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 of the 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:

Ophthalmoscopy - examination of the fundus through a previously dilated pupil.
Biomicroscopy - examination in a special slit lamp for changes in the vitreous body and areas of the fundus.
Perimetry - checking the visual fields.
Tonometry - measurement of intraocular pressure.
Gonioscopy is an examination of the corner of the eye where the iris meets the cornea.
Pachymetry is the measurement of the thickness of the cornea.
Ultrasound of the eye helps to examine the transparent media of the eye when it is impossible to perform ophthalmoscopy.
Fluorescein angiography is a study of the patency of the vessels that feed the structures of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography- helps to detect changes in the tissues of the retina.
Electroretinography - helps to carefully study the work of the retina.
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.

Increased light sensitivity of the eyes - when after the transition from darkness to light for more than an hour, the retina cannot adapt to new conditions. At this time, the eyes hurt, increased lacrimation begins, a feeling of pressure appears in the organ of vision, a corolla-areola is seen around the light source.

Prolonged discomfort is a sign of a disease of the organ of vision. It is impossible to maintain a clear look when tears begin to flow when the light changes. To find out what the violation of light perception is connected with, you need to consult a doctor.

Short-term discomfort with changes in light is considered normal. It passes within a few seconds - but can last up to 1.5-2 minutes.

For colds and infectious diseases- especially those accompanied by an increase in temperature - the adaptation time increases. In addition, bright light begins to irritate, you have to squint your eyes even on a normal sunny day.

The sensitivity of the eyes can be increased by yourself if you constantly use sunglasses in the summer. In the room, then the bright light will also begin to irritate.

The following factors affect light susceptibility:

some medications - as soon as their action ends, the perception of light returns to normal; age-related changes; visual impairment due to eye diseases - degeneration yellow spot and glaucoma.

Any deterioration in vision is a reason to see a doctor. It is possible to stop the development of glaucoma only by initial stage diseases.

However, it is considered normal if lacrimation increases on a clear winter day. After a short attack of snowy ophthalmia, vision is restored quickly. If the snow expanses have to be observed for a long time with unprotected eyes, the restoration of vision may take several days.

But again, the body is able to cope with this condition on its own, it is enough to take care of the eyes and avoid bright light.

The human eye is not an optimal analyzer. To cause a sensation of light, 2 colors are perceived at once - if the perception is disturbed, then discomfort arises.

Solar radiation is the maximum of the visibility curve, it is on it that the human eye is tuned.

In the organ of vision - in its retina - there are sensitive elements: optic nerve fibers and photoreceptors. When exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the range from 760 to 380 nm, a sensation of light arises. Light-sensitive receptors are directed deep into the retina, outer shell which consists of epithelial cells with black pigment.

An impulse of excitation appears in the cells under the action of light, which causes photochemical reactions in them. The impulses provoked by this process are transmitted to the brain, as a result of which visual sensations are formed.

Under the action of light, the retina evaluates the environment, according to two characteristics - qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative characteristic- this is a feeling of brightness, quality - a feeling of color. Perception is determined by the wavelength of light and the spectral composition.

Photoreceptors are divided into rods and cones. Rods are more light-sensitive, they are responsible for brightness, and cones distinguish colors and shades.

The graph, relative to which you can approximately understand how the color and light sensitivity of the eyes are distributed, is as follows.

This picture shows that the perception of bright light and contrast for a person is a mixture of red, green and blue. An increase in the photosensitivity of the eyes is a change in the proportions between the analyzers located in the organ of vision - with an artificial amplification of one of the spectra, painful sensations appear.

It is impossible to depict the light sensitivity of the eyes with a picture, there are very complex formulas, the radiation spectrum is estimated by optical formulas.

The reciprocal of the minimum - threshold brightness, which causes visual sensations, is called the light sensitivity of the eye.

The limits of its change are quite wide, which is why human eye has a huge visual capacity for adaptation - the ability to adapt to light of different brightness.

During adaptation, the following happens:

the diameter of the pupil varies, which allows you to change the perception of the light flux; inside the organ of vision, the concentration of photosensitivity of undecomposed pigment decreases; cones and rods with dark pigment, which are located in choroid, move in the direction of the vitreous body and shield the image; depending on the brightness of the object, the degree of participation of rods and cones in the excitation of light sensation changes.

During the light sensitivity test, the subject is placed in a dark room. Under these conditions, photosensitivity is determined - how transitions from the lower limit to the upper one and vice versa affect the organ of vision.

The absolute threshold of susceptibility or the lower limit is only a few tens of photons per second - such a flow of energy is directed to the organ of vision in almost complete darkness. The upper limit is 1012 times higher. Adaptation should be less than a minute for young people - by old age, its time may increase.

Cause increased sensitivity to such reasons:

congenital absence of pigment; long stay at the computer - eye fatigue; retinal disinsertion; eye diseases - iritis, keratitis, ulcers and damage to the cornea, tumors.

Photophobia occurs after eye contact with bright light - for example, when welding work or with snowy ophthalmia.

Also, discomfort from intense light appears during many diseases that occur with high temperature. One of the symptoms of childhood diseases - measles and scarlet fever - is an increased reaction to light.

Symptoms of hypersensitivity may include:

increased lacrimation; pain and pain in the organ of vision; spasms causing convulsive closure of the eyelids.

A sharp change in illumination provokes an attack of acute headache.

The ophthalmologist conducts a test to determine the photosensitivity, setting the limit that the eye can tolerate without problems and developing measures to help adapt to bright light.

The underlying disease or causes that cause photosensitivity often require serious treatment, and sometimes elimination - for example, if the underdevelopment of the visual apparatus is hereditary - is impossible. In this case, it is necessary to adjust your existence in the solar season.

AT without fail must be worn Sunglasses– in a brightly lit room it is also necessary to use a protective device, only with less intensely tinted windows.

Temporary phenomena of increasing light perception are treated - for this, eye drops are used, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components in their composition. Drops with moisturizing properties are also used, a complex of vitamins is prescribed.

Rational nutrition is of great importance in the state of the organ of vision. The lack of vitamins A and C immediately affects the functions of the visual apparatus.

To save your eyesight, you need to contact an ophthalmologist in time. Long-term adaptation to changes in illumination and discomfort during intense sunlight, which appeared suddenly, are a sufficient reason for a visit to an ophthalmologist.

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Write your opinion about the question, answers and other opinions:

Under Photophobia refers to the painful sensitivity of the eyes to light., in which a person, when hit, has discomfort in the eyes and lacrimation, which makes the eyes squint strongly. Sometimes photophobia is also called sunphobia or photophobia.

It should be noted that in some cases one has to deal with an erroneous diagnosis of photophobia in patients who have a pathological fear of exposure to the sun.

Such pathological condition called heliophobia and is mental illness, not associated with a violation of the organ of vision.

Causes of the disease

To begin with, it should be noted that photophobia is a symptom of another disease, and not an independent one. nosological unit, for this reason, when identifying photophobia in patients, it is required to direct all efforts to the diagnosis of the primary pathological process that led to sunphobia.

The causes of the disease may be different. So, as such, diseases (for example, conjunctivitis) or structural features of the eye (for example, albinism) can act, common diseases(for example, a cold or migraine), adverse effects environment(for example, excess ultraviolet radiation).

It often happens that doctors may also encounter congenital cases of photophobia, in which the eye reacts to daylight and artificial light due to a lack of a pigment called melanin or due to its total absence in the body.

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In addition, the intake of certain drugs can also cause increased sensitivity of the eyes to light. medical preparations. For example, for effective diagnostics In the fundus, doctors instill drugs into the eyes that dilate the pupil, as a result of which it does not narrow under the action of sunlight and, as a result, the retina is exposed to increased exposure to light rays.

Another cause of photophobia can be adverse reaction to receive quinine, tetracycline, doxycycline, belladonna, furosemide.

AT last years cases of photophobia associated with a long stay of a person at a computer (the so-called “computer visual syndrome”), which is a consequence of the development of increased sensitivity of the eyes to wind and light against the background of visual stress and constant drying.

Meanwhile, some diseases can also cause an exacerbated reaction to the light of the organ of vision:

conjunctivitis (is it an acute or chronic inflammatory disease connective membrane of the eye) ulcers and damage to the cornea tumors keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye) iritis (inflammation of the iris)

Photophobia can also occur due to damage to the eye by bright light (for example, snowy ophthalmia, which implies damage to the cornea as a result of contact with a large number the rays of the sun reflected from the snow; when welding without glasses, when looking at the sun, etc.), retinal detachment and refractive surgery.

There are frequent cases of photophobia during a migraine attack, with diseases of the central nervous system (meningitis, tumors) or during an acute attack of glaucoma. In addition, it can also lead to increased sensitivity of the eyes to light. prolonged wear lenses (especially if they were incorrectly selected).

Note that in rare cases doctors have to deal with photophobia caused by botulism, mercury poisoning, chronic fatigue, depression.

Symptoms

The symptoms of photophobia of the eyes are clearly defined by the very name of the pathology: intolerance to bright light by the eyes. At the same time, increased sensitivity and reaction of the eye to light can be caused by natural and artificial light sources.

The clinical picture of photophobia consists of the following signs:

spasms (or convulsive closure) of the eyelids headache watering eyes pain in the eyes

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Methods for the treatment of photophobia

Treatment of photophobia is determined by the treatment of the underlying disease, which led to the development of increased sensitivity of the organ of vision to light. If the primary pathological process for some reason is not possible, then in everyday life adjustments should be made.

Yes, in sunny days it is forbidden to go out without sunglasses, which must have a filter against ultraviolet rays (100% protection), for this reason they should only be bought in specialized stores.

Temporary photophobia, which is the result of a slight inflammation of the eyes, is treated eye drops, which should contain moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components, vitamins. Such drops in some cases allow you to get rid of photophobia within a few days.

Category:

Hypersensitivity eye to light is associated with irritation of the endings of the trigeminal nerve, which are located in the cornea, iris, ciliary body, conjunctiva of the eye. Hypersensitivity of the eyes in extremely rare, though not always, cases can be caused by excessive visual fatigue during long reading, prolonged work at the computer. But in extremely rare, though not always, cases, sensitivity to light can be a sign of eye disease. Causes of increased eye sensitivity
A short-term feeling of discomfort during the adaptation of the eyes to bright light, especially rethought-formed darkness - normal phenomenon. Hypersensitivity of the eyes suggests that normal daylight causes similar discomfort, and when the sun shines, you want to squint or close your eyes altogether. However, in most cases, eye sensitivity should not be a concern. Its cause may be colds or getting a speck in the eye. as usual, increased sensitivity to light can be caused by certain antibiotics and other medications. in extremely rare, though not always, cases, people become less tolerant of daylight with age. Usually, hypersensitivity to light manifests itself rethought-formed over forty years, when discomfort can arise, to give an example, when looking at the snow illuminated by the sun. anxiety symptoms
But the sensitivity of the eyes is very likely, which may be one of the symptoms of eye diseases. So, in older people, it is very, very quite common to have such a visual disorder as macular degeneration. And the first sign of such a disorder will be just the increased photosensitivity of the eyes. in extremely rare, though not always, cases, sensitivity to light is the most early sign glaucoma. exclusively and without fail, pain and visual impairment are added to this symptom. In any case, you should consult a specialist if the sensitivity of the eyes to light rises, so to speak, incessantly, completely by chance for no reason and lasts for more than one hour. anxiety symptom if photosensitivity is accompanied by pain or a feeling of pressure in the eyes, and also if a halo is visible around the light source. In addition, you should consult with a specialist if the sensitivity of the eyes constantly bothers you, causes constant discomfort, and interferes with normal activities. Choosing glasses
The specialist will full examination eyes and prescribe treatment according to the diagnosis. So, the sooner glaucoma is detected, the more chances there will be for successful treatment and preservation of vision. If no disease is found, and visual impairment will consist exclusively and without fail only in increased photosensitivity of the eyes, then it is quite opposed to misunderstanding and recognition to take some measures to get rid of this inconvenience. Optical parameters
To get started, you need to purchase sunglasses. Glasses of such glasses should block 90% of ultraviolet rays. Such glasses not only and without fail will allow you to comfortably perceive the senses and feel in bright light, and also help to avoid the development of cataracts and macular degeneration in the future. Glass coating must be mirror-like. It further reduces the amount of light entering the eyes. Glasses should be polarized to eliminate reflections of light. These glasses should be worn at all times, especially in bright indoor light or outdoor sunlight. in this regard, it is very likely that it should be profitable to have two pairs of glasses at once, one of them will be special, not light, let's say, glasses for the room. Effective procedure
In addition to the acquisition of glasses, with an increase in the sensitivity of the eyes As a result of their overwork, it is quite opposed to misunderstanding and recognition to do one procedure. It will require two bowls of water. One bowl is filled cold salty water, and the second hot salt water. Then the hands are alternately moistened in cold, then in hot water and put their palms on closed eyes for a while. Do not press on the eyes. This procedure will relieve fatigue and reduce the light sensitivity of the eyes.

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 of the sinuses, and even the ingress of dirt particles 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 for warning dangerous action 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 process of light scattering and causing a sensation of blinding.

There is another fairly common disorder. called macular degeneration. 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.