photalgia

9.9

A pain in the eye that comes from bright light

noun
/foʊˈtæl.dʒə/

Specialized

: fotofobia

Those with albinism frequently experience photalgia due to the lack of pigment in their eyes.

Examples

Wearing sunglasses can help reduce photalgia in people with sensitive eyes.
She suffers from photalgia when exposed to sunlight.
The patient reported severe photalgia after being exposed to direct sunlight.
Many people with photalgia wear sunglasses outdoors.
The patient reported severe photalgia after being exposed to direct sunlight.
Those with albinism frequently experience photalgia due to the lack of pigment in their eyes.
Wearing sunglasses can help reduce photalgia in people with sensitive eyes.

Synonyms

photophobia

vsphotalgia

Specialized

1 9.2

Bright light makes your eyes hurt or feel uncomfortable

is specific pain in the eye caused by bright light exposure

How Painful

photalgia

Specialized

9.9

photophobia

Specialized

1 9.2

Surface Forms

photalgia singular

photalgias plural

Morphology

photalgia = photo + algia (semi-transparent) = phot + algia

While the components 'photo' and 'algia' are clear, the specific medical meaning may not be immediately obvious to all learners.

Etymology

The word photalgia comes from Greek parts photo- meaning 'light' and -algia meaning 'pain', and you know photo- from photograph. So, photalgia literally means 'pain from light', which explains the eye pain people feel in bright sunlight.