What Causes A Sensitivity To Light?

Refractive Surgery

An individual who has undergone a procedure called refractive surgery may develop light sensitivity as a result. Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure that involves the correction of a refractive error in a patient's eyes. Refractive surgery is used to treat individuals affected by nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness, and presbyopia. Refractive surgery may be done by reshaping the cornea or by implanting an artificial lens inside of the eye, and it does require some time for the patient's vision to recover. Sensitivity to light is a common side effect that may be present for the first several days or weeks following this procedure. This symptom occurs because there is a significant alteration to the affected individual's corneal tissues when they undergo refractive surgery. This permanent change of the shape of the patient's eye can cause them to have a period of initial adjustment in function, which includes the ability to adapt to bright lighting. In rare cases, some patients who get refractive surgery may continue to have chronic light sensitivity for several years following their procedure.

Learn more about the potential causes of sensitivity to light now.