Pure Optical logo
Menu
Reorder
Welcome back!
You can reorder here
Got it
Account
Basket

You qualify for free delivery

Spend more for free standard delivery

Customers also buy:
    Go to trustpilot
    Trustpilot Logo
    Trustpilot Rating
    TrustScore 4.8Rated Excellent
    Home
    Sign in
    Shop by Brand
    Acuvue Air Optix Biofinity Biomedics Biotrue Clariti Dailies Freshlook MyDay Proclear PureVision2
    1 Day Acuvue Moist  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism (30 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist  (90 Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist (90 Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (90 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (90 lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Aqua Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix Aqua Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brilliant Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brilliant Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brown (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brown (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Gemstone Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Gemstone Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Grey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Grey (2 lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity XR (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity XR (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Energys (3 lenses)
    Biofinity Energys (3 lenses)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra (30 Lenses)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra (30 Lenses)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra (90 Pack)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra (90 Pack)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra Toric (30 Lenses)
    Biomedics 1 Day Extra Toric (30 Lenses)
    Biomedics Toric (3 lenses)
    Biomedics Toric (3 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (30 Lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (30 Lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (30 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (30 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (90 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (90 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (90 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (90 lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric  (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric (30 Lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Elite (3 lenses)
    Clariti Elite (3 lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Toric (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Toric (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus (90 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus (90 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 (90 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 (90 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (90 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (90 Lenses)
    Focus Dailies All Day Comfort (30 Lenses)
    Focus Dailies All Day Comfort (30 Lenses)
    Focus Dailies All Day Comfort (90 Lenses)
    Focus Dailies All Day Comfort (90 Lenses)
    Freshlook Illuminate (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook Illuminate (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Green (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Green (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Blue (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Blue (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Grey (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Grey (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Pure Hazel (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Pure Hazel (10 Lenses)
    MyDay (30 Lenses)
    MyDay (30 Lenses)
    MyDay Toric (30 Lenses)
    MyDay Toric (30 Lenses)
    Proclear (3 Lenses)
    Proclear (3 Lenses)
    Proclear 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Proclear 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric XR (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric XR (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Proclear 1 Day Multifocal (30)
    Proclear 1 Day Multifocal (30)
    Proclear 1 Day (90 Lens Pack)
    Proclear 1 Day (90 Lens Pack)
    PureVision2 HD (3 Lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (3 Lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (6 lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (6 lenses)
    View all -Contact Lenses
    Shop by Wear
    Daily Contacts Monthly Contacts 2 Weekly Disposable
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric  (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric (30 Lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (30 Lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist  (90 Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist (90 Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (3 Lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (3 Lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (6 lenses)
    PureVision2 HD (6 lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity XR (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity XR (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Proclear (3 Lenses)
    Proclear (3 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    View all - Contact Lenses
    Shop by Type
    Multifocal Torics for Astigmatism Silicone Hydrogel
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    1 Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Proclear Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Aqua Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix Aqua Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Multifocal (3 lenses)
    Biofinity Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (30 lenses)
    Biotrue ONEday for Presbyopia (30 lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (30 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (90 Lenses)
    Dailies TOTAL 1 Multifocal (90 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric  (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day Toric (30 Lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism (30 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism (30 lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Toric (30 Lenses)
    Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus Toric (30 Lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    Biofinity Toric (3 Lenses)
    MyDay Toric (30 Lenses)
    MyDay Toric (30 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Proclear Toric (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism (3 lenses)
    Air Optix plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism (3 lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti 1 Day (30 Lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti XR Toric (3 lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Monthly Multifocal (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Clariti Toric (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix for Astigmatism (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    Air Optix Night and Day Aqua (3 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye  (30 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (30 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia (6 Lenses)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    1 Day Acuvue Trueye (90 Lens Pack)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    Acuvue Oasys 1 Day (30 lenses)
    View all - Contact Lenses
    Shop by Colour
    Blue Contact Lenses Green Contact Lenses Grey Contact Lenses Brown Contact Lenses
    Air Optix Colors - Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brilliant Blue (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brilliant Blue (2 lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Blue (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Blue (10 Lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Gemstone Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Gemstone Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Green (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Green (2 lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Green (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Green (10 Lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Grey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Grey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Sterling Grey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Sterling Grey (2 lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Grey (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Grey (10 Lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brown (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Brown (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Honey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Honey (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Pure Hazel (2 lenses)
    Air Optix Colors - Pure Hazel (2 lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Pure Hazel (10 Lenses)
    Freshlook One Day Colour - Pure Hazel (10 Lenses)
    View all - Contact Lenses
    Go to trustpilot
    Trustpilot Logo
    Trustpilot Rating
    TrustScore 4.8Rated Excellent
    Home
    Blog
    Photophobia: Definition, Causes and Treatment

    Photophobia: Definition, Causes and Treatment

    Categories: Uncategorized
    Posted On: February 4, 2019

    Photophobia: Definition, Causes and Treatment

    While the term “photophobia” literally translates to “fear of light” what it actually describes is a less dramatic “sensitivity to light”. People who suffer this condition are typically sensitive to bright sunlight, harsh fluorescent light, light from the TV and other sources. Some experience headaches along with the sensitivity, while others only feel a need to squint or close their eyes.

    Causes of Photophobia

    Photophobia occurs when there is a disconnect between the cells in your eyes that detect light and the nerve that transmits that light information to the brain. The most common cause of photophobia is migraines, but it is hardly the only one. Other common causes of photophobia include:

    • Cluster headaches.
    • Cataracts.
    • Conjunctivitis.
    • Dry eyes.
    • Swelling of the cornea (keratitis).
    • A scratch on the cornea.
    • Damaged retina.

    Other medical and psychological conditions that may cause photophobia to include:

    • Meningitis.
    • Brain injury.
    • Pituitary gland tumors.
    • Anxiety.
    • Depression.
    • Bipolar disorder.

    In addition antibiotics, quinine and LASIK surgery have also been known to produce photophobia.

    Diagnosing Photophobia

    If you are suffering from light sensitivity whether indoors or out, all the time or just occasionally, see your eye doctor. He’ll ask you about your symptoms and whether or not you have any other known conditions that may be causing your problem. He may also conduct certain tests, including:

    • The slit-lamp exam - During this exam, your eyes are inspected using a specially designed microscope.
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging - The MRI employs magnets and radio waves to create a detailed image of your eyes.
    • Tear duct exam - This test is intended to see if your tear ducts are producing an adequate amount of fluid.

    Treating Photophobia

    The most effective way to treat this vexing condition is to uncover and address the underlying cause. For instance:

    • Your photophobia may be linked to a specific medicine you have recently begun taking. However, it may not be possible or wise to stop taking that medication (such as if you’re taking antibiotics to fight a serious infection). Discuss the situation with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an alternative that will be just as effective but won’t cause photophobia.
    • If it seems your photophobia may be related to emotional issues it would be wise to seek professional help for those issues. As noted above anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression are all considered possible triggers for light sensitivity. By addressing the underlying emotional issues it is possible your photophobia may subside.
    • If there are no obvious medical or emotional causes for your photophobia but it seems you are simply predisposed to being light-sensitive you may consider tinted glasses with photochromic lenses. They will block 100% of the UV rays from the sun and may go a long way toward alleviating your condition. There are also many contact lenses, daily contact lenses (acuvue moists, clariti 1 days) that can filter 80-95% of UV rays, should that be more suitable.

    Finally, if your photophobia is related to migraines the best course of action is to see if you can ascertain the source of those migraines. It may not always be possible to “cure” photophobia, but it may be possible to greatly reduce its effects.

    Leave a Reply
    Sorry, you must be logged in to post a comment.
    Help
    • cs@pureoptical.co.uk
    • Contact form
    • Delivery and Returns
    • Reward Points
    Useful Information
    • Read our blog
    • How to read your prescription
    • Privacy and Cookie Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    Contact Lens Information
    • Contact Lenses
    • Daily Contact Lenses
    • Monthly Contact Lenses
    • Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
    • Multifocal Contact Lenses
    • FAQs
    Our Best Sellers
    • 1 Day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism
    • Acuvue Oasys 1 Day for Astigmatism
    • Clariti 1 Day Multifocal
    • Clariti 1 Day
    • 1 Day Acuvue Moist
    • Clariti 1 Day Toric
    • Acuvue Oasys 1 Day
    • 1 Day Acuvue Trueye
    • Clariti Monthly Multifocal
    • Biofinity Toric
    • MyDay Daily Contact Lenses
    • MyDay Toric

    © Pure Optical 2022 Company registration number 119103
    Suite 2, First Floor, Kenwood House, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1AG

    • visa icon
    • mastercard icon
    • amex icon
    • paypal icon