I have had photophobia for about 8 years now. I have had numerous eye exams and blood tests and there is nothing that appears to be wrong with my eyes. They can handle the bright lights used during the exam...so...I am told that I don't have true photophobia. There is something causing the condition, but not my eyes. I wear tinted contacts to help with the light sensitivity, but the changed light fluorescence at work have increased my sensitivity. I get behind the eye soreness, my nasal passages constrict, feel fatigued and my face and ears get red. I need darker contacts, but would really like to stop the condition. It appeared out of the blue one day...everything appeared brighter. Any thoughts as to what to do to figure out the culprit creating this problem? Am in Cleveland, Ohio and went to a local eye clinic and was told just to wear sun glasses.

There are different degrees of photophobia. Some people are sensitive only to sunlight, and others to any type of brightness, including fluorescent or incandescent light. When experiencing this sensitivity, folks may even notice some squinting or the need to close their eyes.

Even though light sensitivity may be a minor annoyance for many people, there is the possibility of it being triggered by an eye problem (corneal abrasion) It must be very frustrating for you, I think you should go back to the doctor and keep going until you get an answer.

I had an in-depth eye exam and there is nothing wrong with my eyes. I don't have any abrasions..nothing. Was told that since I can manage with the bright light during the exam that I don't have true photophobia....there is something else creating the condition. So....when you're eyes check out OK..what is the next step?

I think if I were you I would try and get a private doctor to look at your eyes and try to see what is causing the problem. If you google ophthalmologists and look for one that specialises in photophobia. I know that a private appointment might be a bit on the pricey side but they will have more time to spend with you and to try and get to the bottom of this very annoying problem. Let us know how you get on.