What is the term for sensitivity to light?

• A. Photophobia
• B. Nyctalopia
• C. Photopsia
• D. Scotoma

Answer: (A)

The correct term for sensitivity to light is photophobia. This condition involves an abnormal intolerance to light and can result in discomfort or pain in bright environments. Individuals experiencing photophobia may find that exposure to sunlight or even artificial lights can lead to symptoms such as squinting, tearing, or headaches.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different visual conditions. Nyctalopia, also known as night blindness, relates to difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, while photopsia refers to the perception of flashes of light, often due to retinal issues. Scotoma is a term used for an area of partial or complete loss of vision in the visual field, which is not directly related to sensitivity to light. Thus, photophobia is specifically the right answer for sensitivity to light.