Light Sensitivity

What is Light Sensitivity?

Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a heightened sensitivity or intolerance to light. For some, even normal levels of sunlight or indoor lighting can feel glaring, cause discomfort, or trigger headaches and eye strain. It’s a symptom, rather than a disease itself, often associated with conditions affecting the eyes, nervous system, or overall systemic health.

Key symptoms and early warning signs

• Discomfort in bright indoor or outdoor lighting
• Need to squint or close eyes in normal light
• Headaches triggered by light exposure
• Eye watering or burning sensations
• Sudden, intense light sensitivity with vision changes

How light sensitivity is diagnosed

Evaluation includes a thorough eye exam, patient history, and often additional testing to identify underlying causes such as:

• Dry eye syndrome
• Corneal issues
• Inflammation (uveitis)
• Neurological conditions
• Migraine or systemic disorders

Some patients may also undergo light response tests or imaging to evaluate ocular surface or nerve health.

Why it happens: causes and risk factors

Photophobia can result from:

• Ocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis)
• Dry eyes or corneal irritation
• Concussion or head trauma
• Migraine or neurological sensitivity
• Certain medications (e.g., those that dilate pupils)
• Albinism or pigment disorders

It may also be triggered or worsened by chronic stress, poor sleep, or systemic inflammation, factors often underappreciated in conventional care.

Conventional treatment options

Standard treatment depends on the root cause and may include:

• Prescription eye drops (anti-inflammatory, lubricating)
• Sunglasses or photochromic lenses
• Migraine management medications
• Lifestyle changes to limit screen exposure or adjust lighting
• In some cases, treating infections or inflammation directly

While helpful, these treatments may not fully address the energetic or systemic imbalances that contribute to chronic light sensitivity.

Eye Health Institute’s integrative approach

At the Eye Health Institute, our goal is to relieve photophobia by supporting the eyes and nervous system as a whole. Our protocols often include:

• AcuVision Eye Qigong: Specific exercises to improve circulation, oxygen delivery, and nerve regulation around the eyes
• Micro Acupuncture 48: A specialized acupuncture method that targets visual and neurological pathways
• Nutritional support: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients tailored to ocular health
• Hydration and stress care: Managing oxidative stress and adrenal support, crucial for photophobia rooted in nervous system imbalance
• Lifestyle and mindset coaching: Helping patients cultivate energy, balance, and emotional resilience through daily habits

What patients report / clinical insights

Many patients with light sensitivity describe feeling “on edge” visually, tense, easily overstimulated, or unable to relax their eyes. Through Qigong training and integrative support, we aim to reset that pattern.

Eye Qigong helps synchronize movement, breath, and intention. These dynamic exercises enhance blood flow to the eyes and brain, calm the nervous system, and reduce inflammation, all key to easing sensitivity. By improving the body's internal balance, patients often notice less squinting, fewer headaches, and greater visual endurance.

Our clinical focus also addresses systemic contributors: adrenal fatigue, blood sugar swings, dehydration, and oxidative stress. In Chinese medicine, the liver system governs vision clarity, while the kidneys support structural eye strength; both are nourished in our protocols.

When to seek urgent care

Get urgent eye care for sudden vision loss, a curtain over vision, many new floaters with flashes, severe eye pain, or eye trauma. These can be emergencies.