While light is critical for vision, it can also lead to some difficulties. One prime example is halos, rings of light around light sources. At times, halos are simply distracting. In others, they’re a major hindrance. Plus, they can be a sign of certain eye-related medical conditions.
If you’re wondering why you might be seeing halos and whether you should speak with your eye care provider, here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Halos in Your Vision?
In a general sense, halos in your vision occur when light doesn’t move through the eye the correct way. If the light is bent as it enters the eye, it can cause light rings around light sources; a phenomenon commonly referred to as a halo.
Typically, halos are more noticeable at night. Along with more individual lights being on, the darker background of the night sky or a poorly lit spot makes the halos easier to see. However, they can technically occur at any time, suggesting there is a light source to create them.
Reasons You Might Be Seeing Halos
There are several reasons why a person may see halos, and not all of them are cause for concern. A halo is common due to the overall conditions if you see an incredibly bright light against a very dark backdrop.
Certain refractive errors may also lead to halos. In some cases, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all create conditions where light passes through the eye in a less than ideal fashion, which may result in halos.
Similarly, glasses or contact lens wearers may experience halos relating to the lenses. Eyeglasses and contacts alter how light passes into the eye. Additionally, both glasses and contact lenses can get dirty, foggy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Depending on the issue, that can make halos more likely because light can’t pass through the lenses without encountering an obstacle.
Halos are known potential side effects of certain vision-related procedures, too. For instance, Lasik can lead to halos. While they usually only last a few weeks, ultimately disappearing when the eye heals, halos can also be a permanent issue in rare cases.
However, halos can also be symptoms of certain health conditions. Halos are relatively common among those with cataracts. As the cataract clouds the lens of the eye, it alters how light moves through it. The blurriness or haziness that often accompanies cataracts can cause halos as a result.
In some cases, halos are also a sign of glaucoma. While cataracts are common and generally easy to manage, glaucoma can cause severe, potentially irreversible damage to your vision, including potentially leading to blindness
Is Seeing Halos Serious?
Whether halos are serious ultimately depends on the underlying cause and the overall impact to your vision. If the halos make it hard to focus, then night driving or similar tasks could become dangerous, which is a significant hindrance. Additionally, halos can be a symptom of a medical condition, which may require immediate attention.
Ultimately, any change to your vision should always be treated seriously. Similarly, if any issue is disruptive, it’s better to seek help.
When to Speak with Your Eye Care Provider About Halos
While halos aren’t inherently a troubling sign, it’s always best to speak with your eye care provider if you have any vision concerns. This is particularly true of the halos that are new or accompanied by other vision changes.
At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing halos and are worried about the potential cause or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.
