Light Sensitivity and Diabetes

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Does light sensitivity in a young child with a diabetic type one condition mean there may be another problem parents should know about?   

Answer:
Light sensitivity or photophobia can be a symptom of many different conditions. Inflammation in the eye and corneal abrasions and other corneal diseases may be a cause of this. Also, if hyperglycemia is causing a refractive change to far- or nearsightedness, that may be associated with light sensitivity. There is no direct association between photophobia and type 1 diabetes. Also, in very young childhood, photophobia can be a sign of certain congenital abnormalities such as ocular albinism. However, if this symptom is present, a full evaluation is necessary by an Eye M.D. Some people just tend to be light sensitive and if your ophthalmologist rules out any pathology, then sunglasses — either the normal, everyday type or special rose or amber tinted glasses — can often relieve the symptom.

Answered by: Gary Hirshfield, MD

Categories: Eye Conditions; Children's Eye Health

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