Understanding Halos Around Lights: Causes and Cures: 1 Minute to Clarify Common Vision Concerns

Halos around lights—those glowing rings that appear when you look at a streetlamp or LED light, especially at night—are a common visual occurrence that can be unsettling or disruptive. Several factors can cause halos: they might indicate a vision condition, result from environmental factors, or even stem from recent eye surgery. Understanding the origin of halos is crucial for effective management and enhancing your overall visual comfort.

Primary Causes of Halos Around Lights

1. Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can blur incoming light, causing it to scatter and form halos.
2. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens diffuses light, creating halos—often accompanied by glare or difficulty seeing at night.
3. Dry Eyes: An unstable or insufficient tear film can distort how light enters the eye, leading to halos, discomfort, and the urge to blink frequently.
4. Corneal Irregularities: Swelling or scarring of the cornea may result in abnormal light refraction and visible halos.
5. Post-Surgical Effects: Procedures like LASIK or lens replacement sometimes cause temporary halos during the healing period.
6. Contact Lens Issues: Improperly fitted or dirty contact lenses may create visual disturbances, including halos and blurred vision.

Cures and Solutions

The treatment for halos depends on their cause. For refractive errors, updated eyeglasses or contacts are typically effective. Cataracts may require surgical intervention, while dry eyes benefit from lubricating drops and environmental adjustments. If your symptoms result from recently starting a new medication or undergoing eye surgery, consult your eye doctor to determine whether this is a normal part of the healing process or something needing attention.

As an interior designer, lighting is one of my core tools—not just for mood and aesthetics, but also for comfort and visual health. If you’re sensitive to light halos at home, consider experimenting with layered ambient lighting and diffusers to soften glare or utilizing a lighting layout planner for optimal fixture placement and intensity. The goal is to create environments that reduce harsh contrasts and foster visual relaxation.

Tips 1:

Always schedule regular eye exams—especially if halos appear suddenly or are accompanied by pain or vision changes. Managing general wellness with a balanced diet, proper hydration, and good sleep hygiene can also contribute to optimal eye health.

FAQ

Q: What does seeing halos around lights usually mean?

A: Halos can signal underlying vision issues like refractive errors, cataracts, or dry eye, but may also result from environmental glare or recent eye procedures.

Q: Are halos around lights after cataract surgery normal?

A: Yes, many patients experience halos temporarily after cataract surgery; these often improve as the eye heals, but persistent issues should be discussed with an ophthalmologist.

Q: Can incorrect glasses cause halos?

A: Yes, if your prescription is outdated or incorrect, it can lead to visual distortions such as halos.

Q: Will adjusting room lighting help with halos?

A: Yes, reducing harsh contrasts and using layered lighting schemes can minimize the perception of halos indoors.

Q: When should I see a doctor about halos around lights?

A: If halos appear suddenly, worsen quickly, or are paired with eye pain, nausea, or sudden vision loss, seek immediate medical attention—they could signal a serious issue.