What does photophobia mean?
Photophobia is a medical term for abnormal sensitivity or aversion to light. Rather than describing simply a preference for dim surroundings, it often means that ordinary or bright light causes discomfort, pain, redness, watering, or a strong need to close the eyes. Photophobia can be associated with migraine, inflammation of the eyes, and various infections or neurological conditions, although it should not be used to identify a specific diagnosis by itself. The word can also refer more literally to an intense fear of light, though this less common sense should be distinguished from the familiar symptom of light sensitivity. Its unusual-sounding name combines Greek roots meaning “light” and “fear,” making it an immediately recognizable term in medical discussions. In everyday conversation, someone might describe the experience as light sensitivity or say that bright light is painful, but these expressions are not always interchangeable with the clinical diagnosis.
nounAn abnormal sensitivity or aversion to light, especially as a symptom involving discomfort or pain in the eyes. The term may also describe an intense fear of light.
- Abnormal sensitivity or aversion to light, especially when it causes discomfort, pain, or tearing.
- An intense fear of light or of being exposed to bright light.
"She wore dark glasses because her migraine was causing severe photophobia."
"The doctor asked whether the patient experienced photophobia or blurred vision."
"His severe photophobia made even the lights in the room unbearable."
The plural is uncommon and usually appears in general or specialized writing rather than everyday conversation.
"The text discusses several forms of photophobia associated with different medical conditions."
Photophobia literally means “fear of light,” but in medicine it usually describes the painful light sensitivity that can accompany a migraine or inflammation of the eyes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does photophobia come from?
The word was formed in English through New Latin from Greek roots: phōs, phōtos, meaning “light,” and phobos, meaning “fear.” The combining form photo- has long been used in English for words relating to light, including photograph and photosynthesis, while the suffix -phobia derives from the same Greek term for fear and appears in words such as claustrophobia.
Related word forms
How photophobia is actually used
This is primarily a medical term. In clinical usage it usually denotes light sensitivity rather than an emotional fear of light, and it may occur with conditions such as migraine, eye inflammation, or certain infections.
Easily confused with photophobia
Photophobia specifically refers to an aversion or painful sensitivity to light, whereas photosensitivity is a broader term for heightened reaction to sunlight or other light sources.