How People with Astigmatism See Lights: Understanding the Visual Experience of Astigmatism in Under 1 Minute

Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. When it comes to how people with astigmatism see lights, the most frequently reported experience is the appearance of “halos,” glare, or starburst patterns around light sources, especially at night. For example, streetlights or oncoming headlights may seem to have streaks radiating outward, making it challenging to drive after dark. Light may also appear to be smeared or doubled—even though the actual light source is a single point. This occurs because the eye cannot focus light evenly onto the retina due to the irregular shape.

As a designer, I often consider how lighting and visual elements affect people with differing vision needs. If you’re planning a space for yourself or others, you should think about how various lighting arrangements, fixture placements, or diffused light sources can reduce glare and avoid visual discomfort for those with astigmatism. In fact, when choosing lights for a room, opting for soft, indirect sources and minimizing harsh contrasts greatly improves comfort. Tools like a Room Planner can help you experiment with different lighting layouts before making final decisions.

Tips 1:

Consider using layered lighting—such as combining overhead ambient lights with wall sconces or floor lamps—to minimize bright points that may cause halos or glare for individuals with astigmatism.

FAQ

Q: Why do lights look blurry or have halos with astigmatism?

A: The irregular curvature of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, causing blurred or scattered light around bright objects.

Q: Are certain types of lights better for people with astigmatism?

A: Soft, diffused light sources and adjustable brightness are generally more comfortable. Avoiding ultra-bright, direct lighting helps reduce halos and glare.

Q: Can glasses or contact lenses fix how lights look with astigmatism?

A: Prescription lenses designed for astigmatism (toric lenses) can greatly improve vision by compensating for the irregular shape and reducing unwanted light effects.

Q: Does astigmatism get worse at night when looking at lights?

A: Many people notice halos, glare, and starbursts more at night because their pupils dilate, allowing more light in and making refractive errors more noticeable.

Q: How can I make my home more comfortable if I have astigmatism?

A: Choose adjustable and layered lighting, use matte finishes to reduce reflection, and arrange seating to minimize direct sight lines to bright light sources.