All visual tasks become increasingly Support use of low vision aids such as difficult and even impossible. photochromic or tinted glasses. Recognition of people may be impaired. In situations in which certain activities Photophobia that forms part of a wider Feelings of wellbeing can be damaged, are avoided (such as playing outside on visual impairment often results from an particularly if symptoms, including pain, a very bright day) provide alternative impairment in the eyes’ ability to control the are severe and long-term. activities and social access. amount of light entering the eye. As a Access to information presented on Ask what is most/least helpful in terms result, symptoms can be experienced at noticeboards, display boards and of support! relatively low levels of lighting. Visual may be missed. conditions associated with photophobia are wide-ranging and include albinism, retinal detachment, aniridia, conjunctivitis and cataracts. What can we do to help? Photophobia can be triggered by lighting from artificial sources (such as stage lights) as well as from natural light and reflection. Make use of windows, doors and blinds to control the amount of light entering a Possible impacts of room. photophobia: Be aware of glare and reflection on laminated and/or polished surfaces and minimise this wherever possible. Levels of visual functioning will fluctuate Be aware of the angles of lights and according to the specific lighting lamps including stage lighting and conditions at any time and in any place. overhead projector lights. Certain situations and places may be Allow a person with photophobia to avoided, therefore restricting social select or adjust their seating position to opportunities and life experiences. minimise discomfort from direct light. When addressing a person with When lighting levels are such that vision is photophobia, position yourself so the impaired: person with photophobia is between you and the source of light. Safety can be impaired as obstacles, Encourage the person to wear a peaked including steps and slopes, can be hat and/or sunglasses whenever missed. outside on sunny days (including during Tracking the movement of items such the winter). as a moving ball, traffic and people can be impaired.
Photophobia that forms part of a wider visual impairment often results from an impairment in the eyes’ ability to control the amount of light entering the eye. As a result, symptoms can be experienced at relatively low levels of lighting. Visual conditions associated with photophobia are wide-ranging and include albinism, retinal detachment, aniridia, conjunctivitis and cataracts. Photophobia can be triggered by lighting from artificial sources (such as stage lights) as well as from natural light and reflection. Possible impacts of photophobia: Levels of visual functioning will fluctuate according to the specific lighting conditions at any time and in any place. Certain situations and places may be avoided, therefore restricting social opportunities and life experiences. When lighting levels are such that vision is impaired: Safety can be impaired as obstacles, including steps and slopes, can be missed. Tracking the movement of items such as a moving ball, traffic and people can be impaired. All visual tasks become increasingly difficult and even impossible. Recognition of people may be impaired. Feelings of wellbeing can be damaged, particularly if symptoms, including pain, are severe and long-term. Access to information presented on noticeboards, display boards and may be missed. What can we do to help? Make use of windows, doors and blinds to control the amount of light entering a room. Be aware of glare and reflection on laminated and/or polished surfaces and minimise this wherever possible. Be aware of the angles of lights and lamps including stage lighting and overhead projector lights. Allow a person with photophobia to select or adjust their seating position to minimise discomfort from direct light. When addressing a person with photophobia, position yourself so the person with photophobia is between you and the source of light. Encourage the person to wear a peaked hat and/or sunglasses whenever outside on sunny days (including during the winter). Support use of low vision aids such as photochromic or tinted glasses. In situations in which certain activities are avoided (such as playing outside on a very bright day) provide alternative activities and social access. Ask what is most/least helpful in terms of support!
senss_vi_team_photophobia_leaflet_1.docx