Halos refer to rings or circles of light that surround bright light sources, such as street lamps, headlights, or oncoming vehicles, especially at night. This visual phenomenon is often seen when the eye’s ability to focus light is compromised, causing the light to scatter. Halos can appear in different colors, usually white or blue, and are often associated with other visual disturbances like glare or starbursts. While halos can be a normal visual experience after exposure to bright lights, they are more noticeable in low-light conditions and can be a symptom of an underlying eye condition.
Causes: Halos can be caused by a variety of factors, including refractive errors (such
as astigmatism), cataracts (clouding of the eye's natural lens), or corneal swelling.
Halos are also common after refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, due to changes
in the cornea. In some cases, halos may indicate early signs of glaucoma, especially
angle-closure glaucoma, where increased eye pressure can lead to optic nerve
damage.
Symptoms: People experiencing halos see bright, circular rings or coronas around
lights. These rings are especially prominent at night or in low-light environments. Halos
may be accompanied by glare, difficulty seeing at night, or double vision in severe
cases.
Treatment: Treating halos depends on the underlying cause. For cataracts, surgery to
replace the cloudy lens can significantly reduce halos. For refractive errors, prescription
glasses, contact lenses, or additional refractive surgery may help. In cases where halos
are caused by corneal issues, lubricating eye drops or other treatments may be
recommended to reduce symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are
crucial to prevent further vision loss.
