fotofobie

Fotofobi, also called photophobia, is a heightened sensitivity to light in which exposure to bright illumination causes discomfort or pain in or around the eyes. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and it often accompanies other ocular or neurological conditions.

Common ocular causes include dry eye, corneal injuries (such as abrasions or ulcers), keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, cataracts, and glaucoma. Systemic or neurological causes include migraine, meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, encephalitis, concussion or head trauma, and sometimes certain medications. Photophobia can be bilateral or less commonly unilateral, and the severity may depend on light wavelength and intensity.

The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, but photophobia may involve heightened activity in the trigeminovascular system, alterations in retinal processing, or changes in central light perception. The symptom can reflect an ocular source, a neurological condition, or a combination of contributing factors.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation. A healthcare provider will take a history and perform an eye exam to distinguish ocular from non-ocular causes and to identify red flags such as fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, altered mental status, or focal neurological signs, which may require urgent assessment. Additional investigations (neurological exam, imaging, lumbar puncture) are considered if a central nervous system process is suspected.

Management focuses on the underlying condition. Ocular surface diseases are treated with lubrication and appropriate eye medications; infections are managed with antimicrobial therapy; migraines may require acute or preventive treatments. In the meantime, reducing light exposure with sunglasses, hats, or dimmed environments can provide symptomatic relief while diagnostic and therapeutic steps are pursued. Prognosis depends on the cause and response to treatment, with photophobia often improving as the primary condition is managed.