photophobia

[ foh-tuh-foh-bee-uh ]

noun

1. Pathology. a painful sensitivity to or extreme intolerance of bright light, as in iritis.
2. an irrational or disproportionate fear of light.

photophobia

/ ˌfəʊtəʊˈfəʊbɪə /

noun

1. pathol abnormal sensitivity of the eyes to light, esp as the result of inflammation
2. psychiatry abnormal fear of or aversion to sunlight or well-lit places

Derived Forms

• ˌphotoˈphobic, adjective

Other Words From

• pho·to·pho·bic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of photophobia¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; photo- + -phobia

Example Sentences

Entropion affecting the lower lid appears also as the result of extreme photophobia (intolerance to light).

From Project Gutenberg

Redness of the eye and lachrymation are very common; true photophobia uncommon.

From Project Gutenberg

Pupil normal, conjunctiva moderately congested, lachrymation profuse, photophobia partial.

From Project Gutenberg

As a rule, however, the eyes are somewhat suffused, and there is slight lachrymation and photophobia.

From Project Gutenberg

In some cases there was photophobia, and he has also found paralysis of accommodation and conjunctivitis.

From Project Gutenberg