Symptom 4: Sensitivity to Light
Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, isn’t just a sporadic occurrence in blepharospasm patients. It’s persistent and more than mere discomfort. It’s a physiological response, signaling an underlying condition needing immediate medical attention.
The repercussions of photophobia extend to everyday activities. Whether it’s driving in daylight, cooking under overhead lighting, or the glare from book pages, tasks once taken for granted can turn into strenuous chores.
Photophobia can’t be eradicated without addressing the root cause, but temporary relief can be found. Sunglasses or tinted lenses can help, as can dimming the brightness on digital devices. Still, these are only temporary aids, not long-term solutions.
Photophobia is common in blepharospasm patients. However, not everyone experiencing light sensitivity has blepharospasm, and not all patients exhibit photophobia. This symptom, combined with others like excessive blinking and persistent eye discomfort, points more conclusively towards a diagnosis of blepharospasm.
The best solution for photophobia is to treat the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, treatments for blepharospasm can significantly alleviate photophobia. Depending on the patient’s specific case and overall health profile, these treatments could range from medications and Botox injections to biofeedback, acupuncture, and surgery. (4)
