Eye color, visual acuity and photophobia: How eye color affects light sensitivity

Photophobia is eye discomfort in bright light environments and is linked to migraines, which millions of people experience each year, leading to severe to pain and lack of productivity. However, it is unknown if photophobia is related to vision and eye color. This study aimed to measure the impact of eye color and visual acuity on light sensitivity. We hypothesized that people with blue eyes would have more photophobia compared to people with green or brown eyes, that people with worse light vision would have worse photophobia compared to individuals with strong visual acuity, and that photophobia would be prevalent in an elementary school population. This cross-sectional study evaluated participants in an elementary school population including students, teachers, and administrators, ranging in age from 6–72 years old. We assessed visual acuity using a Rosenbaum Vision Chart and assessed photophobia using a modified three question UPSIS-17 Photophobia Symptom Impact Scale. In the primary analysis, we found no significant association between eye color and photophobia (W=0.65, p=0.724). Additionally, we found no correlation between light and dark vision and photophobia scores (Spearman’s Rho=0.08, p=0.467), (Rho=0.11, p=0.319). In conclusion, we observed no substantial difference in vision by eye color. Remarkably, participants who reported high levels of photophobia did not have decreased light vision. There was no association between eye color and photophobia, however photophobia was prevalent in
elementary school students.