Photosensitivity in humans
Light sensitivity or photosensitivity refers to a notable or increased reactivity to light. Apart from vision, human beings have many physiological and psychological responses to light. In rare individuals an atypical response may result in serious discomfort, disease, or injury. Some drugs have a photosensitizing effect. Properties of natural or artificial light that may abnormally affect people include:
- Timing of light (upset of normal circadian rhythms, seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders)
- Intensity of light (photophobia, sunburn, skin cancer)
- Wavelength of light (in lupus, urticaria)
- Rapid flickers in intensity of light may trigger or aggravate photosensitive epilepsy, epileptic seizure, or migraine headaches.
Conditions that may include sensitivity to light include vertigo and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Controlled application of artificial light can be used in a program of light therapy to treat some disorders.
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