Netflix's popular show Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives has brought the spotlight on Delhi-based art patron and philanthropist Shalini Passi, who gave a glimpse of her super luxurious life. However, the diva has her share of struggles that do affect her daily life – sunlight sensitivity.

According to Passi, she has a severe sun allergy, which leads her eyes to water whenever they are exposed to direct sunlight, causing discomfort and pain. Even though she did not disclose the condition further, sun allergy is a common issue with many people. Passi said that her "eyes "begin to water when exposed to sunlight”, and this issue has a significant impact on her ability to participate in daytime activities, limiting her sense of freedom during the day.

Also known as photosensitivity, sun allergy describes several conditions that cause a slew of issues like eye problems, itchy rash on the skin, skin stinging, formation of tiny bumps, redness all over the body, flushing, blisters and hives.

According to experts, sun allergy in the eyes – called photophobia causes:

• Excessive tearing
• Squinting
• Discomfort in response to sunlight

The bright light overstimulates the eye's nerves, resulting in reflex tearing. Reflex tearing, though helpful as a natural defence, can become a hindrance for those with sunlight sensitivity.

Doctors say sun allergy symptoms can include eye sensitivity to sunlight and other eye conditions can be caused by sun exposure:

Also known as sunburn in the eyes – photokeratitis damages the cornea and conjunctiva due to the harmful ultraviolet rays. It is either caused by direct sunlight, reflected sunlight, or other sources of UV rays like welding arcs, tanning equipment, and lights used for medicine. Keratitis causes extreme inflammation, soreness, and discomfort.

Damage due to sun rays leads to growth in the eyes known as pinguecula or pterygium. According to doctors – these are white or yellow growths that cause dry eyes, redness, and inflammation along bumps.

Excessive tearing in sunlight causes epiphora - a medical term for the condition where eyes produce tears in response to irritants, which include bright light. Experts say sunlight overstimulates the nerves within the eye, triggering the lacrimal glands to produce extra tears to protect against UV light exposure.

Reflex tearing serves as a barrier, shielding the eye from damage, but the same response can become uncomfortable and limiting.

To protect your eyes from any kind of harm in the sun, you must:

Always make sure to wear sunglasses whenever you are out in the sun. They help block or absorb 99-100 per cent of UV rays

A hat helps provide shade protection for your face and the areas around your eyes

Make sure to find shade when the sun is especially bright

Always wear long-sleeved tops or shirts to protect your skin from the sun.

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