Red flags & when to go in person for Light Sensitivity (Photophobia) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, in children can cause discomfort and affect daily activities. It may result from common issues like eye strain or mild infections, but sometimes it signals more serious problems. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice, and guide parents on care steps. However, certain warning signs require in-person evaluation to ensure the child's safety. This guide helps families understand when to seek immediate care, when telemedicine is suitable, and how to prepare for virtual visits. Recognizing red flags early can prevent complications and support timely treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or sudden vision loss — go to an emergency room or eye specialist immediately.
• Eye redness with swelling, pus, or discharge — seek urgent in-person evaluation to rule out infection.
• High fever combined with eye symptoms or neurological signs like confusion or vomiting — seek emergency medical care.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate light sensitivity without other serious symptoms.
• Initial assessment and guidance on home care.
• Follow-up on stable conditions after initial in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe eye pain or sudden vision changes.
• Signs of serious infection such as swelling or pus.
• Neurological symptoms like confusion, vomiting, or severe headache.

What is Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)?

Photophobia means your child’s eyes are unusually sensitive to light. Bright lights, sunlight, or even indoor lighting may cause discomfort, squinting, or eye rubbing. It can happen with many eye conditions or infections, and sometimes with headaches or other illnesses.

Common Causes in Children

Light sensitivity often comes from:

Most causes are mild and improve with simple care, but some need a doctor’s evaluation.

When to Use Telemedicine for Light Sensitivity

Telemedicine can help if your child has mild symptoms without other serious signs. A healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, look at your child’s eyes via video, and suggest treatments or home care. It’s a good option when travel or clinic visits are difficult.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Seek urgent in-person care if your child has:

These signs may indicate serious infections, injuries, or neurological problems needing prompt treatment.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit:

This helps the provider assess your child better.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting in the room for clear video examination.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and their duration ready.
• Prepare any relevant medical history or recent illnesses to share.
• Have a device with a camera and microphone available and charged.
• Keep any medications or eye drops your child is using nearby.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medications or eye care.
• Limit your child's exposure to bright lights and screen time as advised.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits if recommended.
• Seek immediate care if any red flags develop after the visit.

FAQs

What causes light sensitivity in children?

Light sensitivity can be caused by eye infections, allergies, dry eyes, eye strain, or headaches like migraines. Sometimes it is a sign of more serious conditions, so monitoring symptoms is important.

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of photophobia?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and provide guidance, but it cannot replace a full eye exam. If serious signs are present, an in-person visit is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for light sensitivity?

If your child has severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, eye swelling with discharge, or high fever with confusion or vomiting, seek emergency care immediately.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Keep your child in dim lighting, avoid screen time, and use any recommended eye drops. Make sure they rest and stay hydrated. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice closely.

Is photophobia always related to eye problems?

No, photophobia can also be related to headaches, neurological conditions, or systemic illnesses. That’s why watching for other symptoms is important.

Sources

1. Photophobia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Light Sensitivity (Photophobia) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Eye Pain and Photophobia — Mayo Clinic.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Eye Problems — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and care. If you notice any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.