Photophobia of the eyes refers to a painful sensitivity of the eyes to light , in which a person, when exposed to light, experiences discomfort in the eyes and lacrimation, which causes the eyes to squint heavily. Sometimes photophobia is also called sunphobia or photophobia.
It should be noted that in some cases we have to deal with the erroneous diagnosis of photophobia in patients who have a pathological fear of exposure to the sun.
This pathological condition is called heliophobia and is a mental illness that has nothing to do with visual impairment.
Causes of the disease
To begin with, it should be noted that photophobia is a symptom of another disease, and not an independent nosological unit; for this reason, when identifying photophobia in patients, all efforts must be directed toward diagnosing the primary pathological process that led to sunphobia.
The causes of the disease can be different. So, these can be diseases (for example, conjunctivitis) or structural features of the eye (for example, albinism), general diseases (for example, colds or migraines), adverse environmental influences (for example, excess ultraviolet radiation).
It often happens that doctors may encounter congenital cases of photophobia, in which the eye reacts to daylight and artificial light due to a lack of pigment called melanin or due to its complete absence in the body.
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In addition, taking certain medications can cause increased eye sensitivity to light. For example, to effectively diagnose the fundus of the eye, doctors instill drugs into the eyes that dilate the pupil, as a result of which it does not narrow under the influence of sunlight and, as a result, the retina is exposed to increased exposure to light rays.
Another cause of photophobia may be an adverse reaction to taking quinine, tetracycline, doxycycline, belladonna, furosemide.
In recent years, cases of photophobia associated with prolonged exposure to a computer (the so-called “computer vision syndrome”) have become more frequent, 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 out.
Meanwhile, some diseases can also cause an aggravated reaction to light in the organ of vision:
- conjunctivitis (an acute or chronic inflammatory disease of the connective membrane of the eye)
- ulcers and corneal damage
- tumors
- keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye)
- iritis (inflammation of the iris of the eye)
Photophobia can also occur as a result of damage to the eye by bright light (for example, snow ophthalmia, which implies damage to the cornea as a result of exposure to a large number of sun rays 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 occurring during a migraine attack, with diseases of the central nervous system (meningitis, tumors) or during an acute attack of glaucoma. In addition, prolonged wearing of lenses (especially if they were incorrectly selected) can lead to increased sensitivity of the eyes to light.
Note that in rare cases, doctors have to deal with photophobia caused by botulism, mercury poisoning, chronic fatigue, and depression.
What is dry eye syndrome and how to overcome it
According to various studies, dry eye syndrome occurs in 20% of all inhabitants of our planet.
According to various studies, dry eye syndrome occurs in 20 percent of all inhabitants of our planet. In 70 percent of cases, women and the older generation suffer.
Why does the eye become “dry”?
Our eyes are covered with a thin film that protects from dust and debris that can scratch the cornea. At the same time it protects against infections. This film is called “tear” and coats the eye with essential moisture, creating a barrier to germs and contaminants. If the film provides less tear fluid, then the protection is compromised and the eye can be seriously damaged. This is in theory. But in practice, we simply feel that our eyes feel “dry”, our eyes “sore”, they itch, hurt, and are irritated. This is dry eye syndrome.
REASONS FOR THE APPEARANCE
- Inflammatory eye diseases.
— Lack of vitamins and nutrients in the body (for example, in winter, when there are very few fruits and vegetables on our tables, or after a serious illness).
— Hormonal, endocrine problems. Women during menopause often experience dry eye syndrome. After all, after 50 years, the level of estrogen in the blood naturally decreases, and this increases the risk of dry mucous membranes.
— Poor-quality contact lenses or their illiterate use can cause dryness of the mucous membrane.
— Dry air (in winter, radiators dry out the air in houses, and air conditioners at work).
— Wind and dust outside, polluted air, a small number of trees and shrubs. American ophthalmologists conducted a study and found that for residents of megacities, the risk of dry eye syndrome increases by 3-4 times compared to residents of villages and villages.
— Work at the computer without interruptions. 76 percent of women and 60 percent of men who work in an office have signs of dry eye syndrome. The highest risk of “spoiling” your eyes is among office workers who look at computer monitors for 8 hours a day or more. The problem is that when we look attentively at the screen, we “forget” to blink, but it is blinking that provides moisture to the eyes.
- Long-term visual strain (for example, when working with very small objects, when you have to constantly strain your eyes).
- Lack of sleep and rest.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE
The first thing that appears is a feeling of dryness in the eyes. It may seem as if “sand” appears in the eyes, irritation, redness, blinking becomes unpleasant, some even begin to see worse. Due to constant irritation and increased sensitivity, the eyes begin to itch. There may be a burning sensation due to dryness. Bright light may bother you. Or it may seem like something has gotten into your eye. Sometimes in the morning the eyelids literally stick together. But only a doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis. After all, behind these same symptoms there may be inflammation and infection.
IMPORTANT!
All of these seemingly common symptoms of fatigue can seriously impair your vision, so don't put off visiting your doctor!
WHAT TO DO:
1. Get enough sleep.
2. It is important for women to use eye cosmetics that are approved by ophthalmologists (this icon can be found on the packaging of mascara, eye shadow, and pencils). Even if you only apply makeup to your eyelids, small particles still get into your eyes and can cause irritation).
The same goes for eye creams. They must be safe for the mucous membrane of the eye.
Remember that the shelf life of cosmetics and creams after opening is limited! Read the packaging.
3. For office workers and those who work with small objects and strain their eyesight, it is important to give their eyes rest. Every hour, do relaxing exercises for your eyes, get up from your workplace to walk and look into the distance.
Blepharogel 1 moisturizes the skin of the eyelids and improves blood microcirculation
4. Blink! This applies to everyone who looks too enthusiastically at the screens of computers, tablets, and smartphones.
5. Do light massages in the mornings and evenings with Blefarogel 1, which can be bought at the pharmacy. Due to the fact that the gel contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract, it not only moisturizes the skin of the eyelids and improves blood microcirculation (which is very important for eye health), but also maintains the stability of the tear film. It also cleanses the eyelash area from dust and excess microbes that can cause inflammation.
After you thoroughly wash your face after coming home to remove dust and germs brought in from outside, apply a small amount of gel to your finger and gently massage your eyelids for one to two minutes. A light massage will facilitate the penetration of beneficial substances into the skin of the eyelids.
Symptoms
The symptoms of photophobia of the eyes are clearly defined by the very name of the pathology: eye intolerance to bright light. In this case, 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
- lacrimation
- Pain in the eyes
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Pathology of the thyroid gland
Problems with the thyroid gland may be indicated by pronounced exophthalmos, a condition in which the eyeballs literally fall out of their sockets. This occurs due to increased production of thyroid hormone, which affects the amount of fat. The adipose tissue grows, which leads to bulging eyes.
However, it is worth considering that exophthalmos is often, but not always, a symptom of thyroid pathologies. Sometimes this sign can indicate other diseases - glaucoma, neoplasms, consequences of injury. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.
Methods for treating 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 it is not possible to eliminate the primary pathological process for certain reasons, then adjustments should be made to everyday life.
So, on sunny days it is forbidden to go outside without sunglasses, which must have a filter against ultraviolet rays (100% protection); for this reason, they should only be purchased in specialized stores.
Temporary photophobia, which is a consequence of slight inflammation of the eyes, is treated with eye drops, which should contain moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components, and vitamins. In some cases, such drops allow you to get rid of photophobia within a few days.
Schizophrenia
It is believed that a serious mental disorder can be identified by eye movement patterns. People with schizophrenia are unable to follow slowly moving objects with their eyes. Usually their gaze lags behind, and then “catches up” with an object that is moving smoothly. Also, patients with this diagnosis have difficulty keeping their gaze on stationary objects. Today there are special tests that use eye movements to help diagnose schizophrenia with 98% accuracy.
What pathologies negatively affect the eyes?
— If a person has bulging eyes, this may indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland . Of course, this can be an individual feature of the structure of the orbit. On the other hand, when there are problems with the thyroid gland, the eyes become swollen and swollen.
This is explained by changes in the muscular system of the eyes. It seems as if the eyeball is being squeezed out of the orbit. There is a feeling that the eyes are “bulging out”.
Diabetes mellitus is a very dangerous disease ; its presence leads to serious complications that also affect the eyes. With this disease, the membranes of the eye vessels are affected, which should not be allowed. Hemorrhages and aneurysms may occur.
If a person with diabetes does not pay attention to their eyes, then over time their visual acuity will decrease significantly. Long-term complex treatment will be required.
Hypertension is quite dangerous , which causes vascular changes in the retina and hemorrhages. Of course, this affects visual acuity.
Ophthalmologists believe that children's vision is negatively affected by frequent diseases of the upper respiratory tract . Because of them, the accommodative apparatus of the eye weakens. To prevent this, parents need to harden their child, who should spend longer on the street and on sports grounds.
It is advisable to go swimming. You should not make your child a child prodigy and enroll him in various clubs, music school, or English classes. Children should not strain their eyes 24 hours a day.
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