Have you been seeing bright rings or halos around lights lately? It can be a bit unsettling, especially when you’re driving at night or trying to read in low light. Finding out what’s causing it can put your mind at ease and help keep your vision clear.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced optometrist in Newport can identify the underlying cause and whether halos indicate an underlying eye condition. Keep reading to understand what might be happening and when you should take action to protect your vision.
Is it normal to see halos around lights?
Halos appear as bright circles or rings surrounding light sources. They are often most noticeable at night, in low light, or when looking at headlights while driving.
Seeing halos occasionally after exposure to bright lights is usually harmless. However, if they appear suddenly, persist, or interfere with your daily activities, they may be a sign of an eye condition.
Common causes of halos
Several eye conditions can cause you to see halos around lights:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens can scatter light, producing halos and glare.
- Dry eye: An insufficient tear film can blur vision and create ring-like effects around lights.
- Glaucoma: Elevated eye pressure can impact vision and sometimes cause halos.
- Corneal changes: Conditions like keratoconus can change the cornea’s shape, leading to halos.
- Post-surgery effects: Some people notice halos temporarily after procedures like LASIK.
- Vision changes or eye strain: An outdated prescription or extended screen time can contribute to halos.
Other symptoms to watch for
Halos can appear alongside other warning signs that indicate it’s time for an eye exam:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Light sensitivity
- Headaches after reading or screen use
Noticing these symptoms early helps an optometrist identify the cause and recommend effective treatments.
Protecting your vision and comfort
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Possible options include:
- Updated prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Dry eye treatment to improve comfort
- Monitoring or treatment for cataracts or glaucoma
- Solutions for vision changes after eye surgery
Addressing issues early can improve comfort and prevent more serious problems down the road.
Stay on top of your eye health
Seeing halos around lights could mean you’re developing an eye disease like glaucoma or cataracts. If you’re noticing persistent or sudden changes, schedule an eye exam at Newport Eye Care today. Early evaluation can protect your vision and keep your eyes comfortable every day.
