Overview
Light sensitivity is a broad term that may be caused by an eye health problem or may be normal. New onset severe light sensitivity may be caused by an eye infection, having something in your eye, or from other conditions like dry eye. Anything that causes damage to the cornea, the front surface of the eye, will cause some degree of light sensitivity. To best determine the cause we recommend you schedule an eye health exam. Especially if your eye is also red, painful or your vision is blurred.
Our eye doctors at EyeTech Optometry, in Frisco Colorado, regularly treat light sensitivity. They can help you determine the cause and start the most appropriate treatment for your light sensitivity.
Normal Light Sensitivity
Some people, often those with very light colored eyes, are just more light sensitive. If you have been “light sensitive” for your whole life this is often doe to light colored eyes allowing more light into the back of the eye. A good pair of dark sunglasses often does the trick in these cases. Being sensitive to light reflecting off of the snow when not wearing sunglasses is normal.
Snow Blindness
In a high alpine environment sunglasses or goggles are very important to prevent “snow blindness” or UV photokeratitis. UV photokeratitis occurs when UV light reflects off of the snow and “burns” the front surface of the eye. This condition typically has a delayed onset that occurs hours after spending time outdoors in the snow with no eye protection. This condition may also be caused by welding without the appropriate eye protection. If you feel you may be experiencing snow blindness please call 970-262-9272 to schedule an eye health exam. Our doctors can reduce the pain and help your eye to heal more quickly.
If you have light sensitivity, schedule an eye health exam to discuss potential treatment options with Dr. Ward or Dr. Philpy.
Emergency Care
Dr. Ward and Dr Philpy regularly diagnose and treat eye injuries, infections, inflammations, burning, redness, pain, sensitivity, pink eye and remove foreign bodies from the eye.
Medical Care
Our doctors can treat, prescribe medication for and manage many different eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Diagnosis and Referral
For eye conditions like cataracts, retinal tears and retinal detachments that may require surgical or specialized care, our Optometrists provide initial diagnosis as well as referral, co-management and follow-up care in coordination with an Ophthalmologist.
Many eye problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy don't have obvious symptoms in their early stages. Changes in vision are often so gradual that you unconsciously adjust to your sight without realizing your vision has changed. You may think you are seeing as well as you were a year ago and don’t have problems, but you can't be sure until you've had your eyes thoroughly examined.