Have you ever noticed glowing rings around streetlights or headlights at night? Maybe the halo effect shows up around lamps inside your home, too. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is often the best way to get answers, because halos can signal anything from a minor issue to something that needs prompt attention. Here’s a look at the most common reasons this happens and what can be done about it.
What causes halos around lights?
Halos occur when light entering your eye scatters instead of focusing cleanly on the retina. Several different eye conditions can cause this, which is why you should visit an eye doctor before drawing any conclusions.
Common causes include:
- Cataracts — A clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. This is one of the most frequent reasons people see halos, especially at night. Colors may also appear duller, and your overall vision may seem hazy.
- Glaucoma — Elevated pressure inside the eye can affect how light is processed. Halos caused by glaucoma often appear suddenly and may be accompanied by eye pain or redness.
- Dry eye syndrome — When your tear film is uneven or insufficient, it distorts incoming light. This can cause temporary halos that come and go throughout the day.
- Corneal issues — Conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea gradually thins and bulges outward, change how light refracts before it reaches the retina.
- Certain medications — Some prescriptions, including specific heart and blood pressure medications, list halos as a side effect.
- Refractive errors — Uncorrected nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can all contribute to halos, particularly in low-light conditions.
How an eye doctor evaluates the problem
A thorough evaluation goes well beyond a standard vision check. Your eye doctor will dilate your pupils to get a clear view of the lens, retina, and optic nerve. They may also measure eye pressure, assess your tear production, and map the surface of your cornea. All of this helps pinpoint exactly what’s causing the halos you’re experiencing and rules out anything more serious.
Treatment options that can help
The right treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Fortunately, most of the conditions that cause halos are very treatable.
- Cataracts — Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures in medicine. The clouded lens is replaced with a clear artificial one, and many patients notice dramatically improved vision almost immediately.
- Glaucoma — Eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help manage eye pressure and reduce symptoms.
- Dry eye — Dry eye treatment, like artificial tears, prescription drops, punctal plugs, or lifestyle adjustments, can restore a healthy tear film.
- Refractive errors — Updated glasses or contact lenses often resolve halos tied to uncorrected vision. LASIK or other refractive procedures may also be an option.
- Corneal conditions — Specialty contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, or surgery may be recommended depending on the severity.
Clear vision is worth protecting
Halos around lights aren’t something to brush off or simply get used to. Determining the cause early on often means more treatment options and better outcomes. Whether you’re in Shelton or Waterbury, our experienced team at Vision Center LTD and Waterbury Eye Associates is ready to help you see more clearly and comfortably. Schedule your appointment at one of our eye care centers today!
