Also known as light sensitivity, photophobia is a common condition linked with aniridia; some patients prefer higher lighting levels while others prefer lower levels of light. The reason photophobia can occur is because without an iris the eye can’t easily adjust to different light levels, meaning the person is overly exposed to light. This is much like when a camera can’t focus properly with different light conditions, unless the apeture is adjusted.
Medically speaking bright lights will not damage the eyes of someone with aniridia; however, it may be uncomfortable for them to be in bright areas.
Good lighting may also allow the patient to see things better and could be the difference between discerning distinct shapes rather than just silhouettes.
It is good to experiment with lighting types, positions, levels and different methods of increasing or decreasing light. This could involve blinds, curtains, dimmers, LED lighting or even bulbs with various strengths and colours/warmth of light. The position of the light source is important too: shining up or horizontally in to the eyes verses over head or over the shoulder. Consider too the surfaces: reflective and bright or matt and dark. It is all very different for each patient so trying various options instead of assuming darkness is required is always best.
If a person is uncomfortable because of the amount of light, they may try turning away, squinting, staying in shade or shielding their eyes. To try and lessen the amount of light in their eyes they may wear sunglasses, eyeshields, hats with peaks or tinted glasses lenses, all of which are often recommended by doctors to manage the sensitivity.
A lot of these things are primarily about comfort and what the patient feels works for them.
There is a suggestion that long term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may increase anyone’s risk of age-related cataracts in old age, based on higher rates in sunny countries. Hence the advice for everyone to use lenses that block UV light when out in the sun, similar to wearing sunscreen.
Cataracts in people with aniridia tend to happen earlier in life due to the genetic implications of the disease.
So there is no known medical difference between typical children and children with aniridia on regarding exposure of the eye to ultraviolet light.
Find out more about aniridia and other associated conditions.
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