Light Sensitivity in Myasthenia Gravis: Clinical Characteristics and Impact on Quality of Life

Light sensitivity is occasionally reported in myasthenia gravis patients, yet its prevalence, clinical characteristics, and impact on disease severity and quality of life remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and the correlation of light sensitivity with myasthenia gravis severity and quality of life in patients.

Myasthenia gravis patients consecutively admitted to Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli in Rome between March and October 2023 were considered for the study. A demographically matched group of healthy controls was also included. Patients and controls completed the Visual Light Sensitivity Questionnaire-8 (VLSQ-8). The patient cohort additionally received the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score, the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale, and the Myasthenia Gravis Quality-of-Life-15 (MG-QoL-15) questionnaires.

A total of 92 patients and 75 healthy controls participated. Light sensitivity was significantly more frequent among patients (36%, 33/92) than among controls (4%, 3/75). Patients with light sensitivity exhibited higher QMG (p < 0.0001), MG-ADL (p < 0.0001), and a decreased quality of life with higher MG-QoL-15 (p = 0.0003) scores than those without light sensitivity. Notably, light sensitivity severity positively correlated with diminished quality of life.

These findings suggest that light sensitivity may be a feature of myasthenia gravis, with clinically relevant implications for patient well-being. This underscores the value of screening for and managing light sensitivity in routine myasthenia gravis care. Proactive identification and treatment strategies aimed at light sensitivity may help enhance overall quality of life.