Question
A parent inquired: Is it normal for a child to experience photophobia? The child has been showing signs of fear of light for some time, and the parents are hesitant to administer medication arbitrarily, hoping to receive professional advice.
Answer
Under sunlight or strong light, people usually have a photophobia response due to eye discomfort, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. The eyes may automatically narrow or seek shelter to reduce discomfort. However, photophobia can also be a symptom of certain eye or body diseases. Common causes of photophobia include conjunctivitis, corneal inflammation, corneal foreign bodies, keratoderma, corneal ulcer, iridocyclitis, and iridocorneal adhesions, which are anterior segment inflammatory conditions. It is recommended that parents observe the child for other discomfort symptoms daily and bring the child to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment if necessary.