From: anonymous@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Subject: Light sensitivity
Posted-By: xx102 (Eye Clinic Moderator)
Organization: Organization For Community Networks
Date: Fri, 2 Sep 1994 04:02:47 GMT
Newsgroups: ofcn.clinic.eye-doctor

My 11 year old daughter has an absolute hate for light in her bedroom. She wears glasses and is an avid reader, with a book light. But ask her to put her ceiling light on is like torture. She hates it. Someone once told me that this light sensitivity can be related to allergies, which may show more as she gets older. Ever heard of this and do you know if this has any credence? I have bad allergies which were passed to me by mother.

Could this be a clue?

Thanks for any information you can give me.

Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)

There are many reasons why an individual can be exceedingly light sensitive. In general, the lighter the eye color, the more light penetrates into the eye. Thus, people with light colored eyes are often more light sensitive.

Uveitis is the medical term for inflammation inside the eye. Inflammation inside the eye causes severe light sensitivity. If uveitis exists, there is usually redness of the eyes and pain.

Tear deficiencies often cause people to complain of light sensitivity. The lack of lubrication on the surface of the eye causes microscopic erosions to develop on the cornea, resulting in discomfort and light sensitivity.

Finally, eye muscle imbalance has been known to cause discomfort with light exposure. Historically, crossed eye problems were called "squint" because bright lights caused those afflicted to squint their eyes.

Allergies do not typically cause one to be light sensitive.

   
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    A A      OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic     111   
   AAAAA              xx102@ofcn.org                 11   
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