This retrospective case review identified individuals of any age with visual discomfort using billing records over an eight-year period. These records were screened for photophobia / light sensitivity as a main symptom or documented during examination. Data including demographics, medical history, and ophthalmic findings. A total of 147 records were included after 51 were excluded for miscoding or incomplete records. Over half of the sample were female and three quarters were adults. Other co-presenting symptoms included headache, blurred vision, dry eyes, pain, and diplopia. The three most common diagnoses were migraine, dry eye, and ocular trauma. In a quarter of cases no aetiology for the photophobia was documented. This latter finding was highlighted by the authors as possibly due to eye care professionals not being aware of the common causes of photophobia especially in children. The authors outline future studies into photophobia that are required including, pathophysiology and impact on quality of life. This retrospective study outlines the common causes of photophobia along with a previously published flow chart to aid how to approach patients presenting with photophobia.
Causes of photophobia in adults and children
Reviewed by Lauren Hepworth
The unmet challenge of diagnosing and treating photophobia.
CONTRIBUTOR
Lauren R Hepworth
University of Liverpool; Honorary Stroke Specialist Clinical Orthoptist, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; St Helen’s and Knowsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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