Which symptom refers to sensitivity to light and is common in many eye disorders including corneal ulcers and optic neuritis?

Which symptom refers to sensitivity to light and is common in many eye disorders including corneal ulcers and optic neuritis?

• A. Hyphema
• B. Ophthalmoplegia
• C. Photophobia
• D. Myasthenia Gravis

Answer: (C)

Photophobia is sensitivity to light and is a common symptom in many eye conditions. In a corneal ulcer, the cornea becomes inflamed and irritated, and bright light can trigger painful stimulation of the exposed nerve endings, so people often seek shade or darkness. In optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve makes light especially uncomfortable, leading to pronounced photophobia. This symptom points to sensitivity to light rather than other issues like a red-eye problem or muscle weakness. For comparison, hyphema is blood in the front chamber of the eye, which causes visible blood and vision changes but not primarily light sensitivity; ophthalmoplegia is weakness of the eye muscles with double vision or restricted movement; and Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes fatigable weakness, including the eyes, rather than a direct light-sensitivity symptom.

Photophobia is sensitivity to light and is a common symptom in many eye conditions. In a corneal ulcer, the cornea becomes inflamed and irritated, and bright light can trigger painful stimulation of the exposed nerve endings, so people often seek shade or darkness. In optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve makes light especially uncomfortable, leading to pronounced photophobia. This symptom points to sensitivity to light rather than other issues like a red-eye problem or muscle weakness. For comparison, hyphema is blood in the front chamber of the eye, which causes visible blood and vision changes but not primarily light sensitivity; ophthalmoplegia is weakness of the eye muscles with double vision or restricted movement; and Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes fatigable weakness, including the eyes, rather than a direct light-sensitivity symptom.