iPhone 5S ambient light sensor always on

[maxvkwong]

Hi guys, for some reason my iPhone 5S's ambient light sensor glows when my iPhone screen is off. It's the light right next to the speaker on front screen. This started happening after I dropped my phone in water.

Is there any way to turn this sensor off and if not, is it dangerous to remove the sensor from the phone? It's draining my battery life pretty fast. Thanks!

 

[maxvkwong]

bump

 

[Gav2k]

The light sensor doesn't emit light itself. You can see it under certain light and yes it's red in colour.

 

[maxvkwong]

When the screen is on, the red goes away. When I put it to sleep, it emits red again. Got any ideas?