Seeing Lights at Night with Astigmatism: Understanding the impact of astigmatism on night vision

Seeing lights at night can be challenging for many people, but if you have astigmatism, those struggles can be even more pronounced. People with astigmatism often describe seeing halos, starbursts, or streaks stemming from light sources like street lamps, car headlights, or illuminated signs—especially in low-light conditions. This happens because astigmatism causes an irregular curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, preventing light rays from focusing properly on the retina. As a result, night vision is frequently accompanied by visual distortions. Besides, these effects can become more noticeable when you're tired, your glasses prescription is outdated, or if you’re in unfamiliar, dimly lit environments.

If you experience these symptoms, it's important to visit an eye care professional for a thorough eye exam. Custom-tailored corrective lenses or contacts can significantly minimize night-time distortions by correcting the unique shape of your cornea. Additionally, choosing lenses with special anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and improve clarity. For drivers, keeping windshields and glasses clean also helps lessen the impact of light streaks and halos.

As a designer, I always consider how lighting impacts the overall atmosphere and functionality of a space. The quality of your indoor lighting can play a significant role in comfort, especially for those with vision conditions like astigmatism. Opting for layered lighting solutions and thoughtfully placed fixtures—avoiding harsh, direct overhead lights—can minimize glare and reduce eye strain. For anyone tackling lighting challenges at home, leveraging a dedicated tool such as a room planner helps you map out ideal light source placement to both enhance aesthetic appeal and address specific vision requirements.

Tips 1:

Choose warm, diffused lights in living areas to minimize glare and help eyes adjust more comfortably, especially at night.

FAQ

Q: Why do lights look streaky or have halos at night with astigmatism?

A: Astigmatism causes light to scatter unevenly across the retina due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, producing blurring and streaking around lights.

Q: Can updating my glasses or contacts help reduce nighttime light distortions?

A: Yes, updated prescriptions with specially coated lenses can significantly improve your clarity and reduce night-time glare.

Q: Are there home design strategies to support people with astigmatism?

A: Yes, using layered lighting and avoiding overly bright or uncovered bulbs reduces glare and supports more comfortable vision.

Q: Are certain colors or brightness levels better for night lighting with astigmatism?

A: Warm, soft lights are gentler on the eyes, reducing sharp contrasts and the likelihood of halo effects.

Q: What should I do if nighttime light distortions suddenly worsen?

A: Schedule an eye exam to rule out other vision issues and ensure your prescription is current, and consider possible environmental lighting adjustments at home.