Halos around lights can be a perplexing visual phenomenon, often accompanied by various causes, symptoms, and treatments. In this guide, we will delve into what halos around lights are, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments (both non-pharmacological and pharmacological), surgeries, preventions, and when to seek medical advice.

Halos around lights are visual disturbances where a person perceives bright circles or rings around light sources. These halos can vary in size and intensity, sometimes making it challenging to see clearly. They can occur in both eyes or just one.

Types of Halos Around Lights

1. Nighttime Halos: These halos are more noticeable in low light conditions, such as when driving at night or in dimly lit rooms.
2. Daytime Halos: Daytime halos may occur in bright lighting conditions, making it difficult to focus on objects due to the glare.

Causes of Halos Around Lights

1. Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can cause light to scatter, leading to halos.
2. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens can cause light to scatter and create halos around light sources.
3. Corneal Diseases: Conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratitis or corneal dystrophies, can distort light entering the eye, resulting in halos.
4. Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can cause dry spots on the cornea, leading to light scattering and halos.
5. Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye can damage the optic nerve and cause halos, especially in advanced stages.
6. Medications: Certain medications, such as anticholinergics or antihistamines, can cause pupil dilation and increase susceptibility to halos.
7. Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily cause halos as the eyes adjust to changes in vision.
8. Retinal Disorders: Conditions affecting the retina, like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, can cause halos due to light scattering.
9. Contact Lens Wear: Improperly fitting or dirty contact lenses can induce halos by distorting light as it enters the eye.
10. Eye Injuries: Trauma or injury to the eye can lead to corneal irregularities, resulting in halos around lights.
11. Migraines: Some individuals experience visual disturbances, including halos, during migraine episodes.
12. Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes or hypertension can affect blood vessels in the eyes, leading to halos.
13. Infections: Eye infections such as conjunctivitis or uveitis can cause inflammation and distort vision, including halos.
14. Hereditary Factors: Certain genetic conditions may predispose individuals to developing halos around lights.
15. Environmental Factors: Exposure to excessive glare or bright lights can induce temporary halos.
16. Age-related Changes: As individuals age, changes in the eye’s structures can lead to halos and other visual disturbances.
17. Allergies: Allergic reactions affecting the eyes can cause itching, redness, and halos due to inflammation.
18. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can affect tear production and lead to halos.
19. Excessive Screen Time: Prolonged use of digital devices can strain the eyes and contribute to halos around lights.
20. Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that can affect eye health and contribute to visual disturbances like halos.

Symptoms of Halos Around Lights

1. Seeing bright circles or rings around light sources.
2. Difficulty focusing on objects due to glare.
3. Blurry vision, especially at night.
4. Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
5. Eye redness or irritation.
6. Eye pain or discomfort.
7. Watery eyes.
8. Double vision (in severe cases).
9. Gradual loss of vision.
10. Headaches or migraines associated with visual disturbances.
11. Changes in color perception.
12. Eye fatigue or strain.
13. Difficulty driving, especially at night.
14. Shadows or dark spots in the field of vision.
15. Glare from oncoming headlights while driving.
16. Decreased contrast sensitivity.
17. Squinting or blinking frequently.
18. Feeling like there is something in the eye.
19. Eye twitching (myokymia).
20. Vision fluctuations throughout the day.

Diagnostic Tests for Halos Around Lights

1. Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you can see at various distances.
2. Refraction Test: Determines the appropriate prescription for corrective lenses.
3. Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows the doctor to examine the structures of the eye under magnification.
4. Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma.
5. Corneal Topography: Maps the curvature of the cornea to detect irregularities.
6. Pupil Dilation: Widens the pupils for a more thorough examination of the eye’s interior.
7. Gonioscopy: Evaluates the drainage angle of the eye to assess for glaucoma risk.
8. Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels at the back of the eye.
9. Visual Field Test: Checks for any blind spots or abnormalities in your peripheral vision.
10. Contrast Sensitivity Test: Measures your ability to distinguish between light and dark.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Halos Around Lights

Pharmacological Treatments for Halos Around Lights:

1. Lubricating eye drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief from dry eyes, reducing halos caused by corneal irregularities.
2. Cycloplegic agents: Prescription eye drops that temporarily paralyze the muscles responsible for focusing the lens, reducing symptoms of halos associated with refractive errors.
3. Anti-inflammatory medications: Steroid eye drops or ointments can reduce inflammation in the eye, alleviating symptoms of halos caused by conditions such as uveitis or keratitis.
4. Antihistamine eye drops: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops can relieve itching, redness, and irritation associated with allergic conjunctivitis, reducing halos.
5. Miotic agents: Prescription eye drops that constrict the pupil can improve depth of focus and reduce halos caused by refractive errors or irregularities in the lens or cornea.
6. Oral supplements: Nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and other antioxidants can support eye health and reduce symptoms of halos.
7. Tear duct plugs: Small silicone or gel plugs inserted into the tear ducts can prevent tears from draining too quickly, increasing tear film stability and reducing halos.
8. Autologous serum eye drops: Eye drops made from a patient’s own blood serum can provide natural lubrication and promote healing of the ocular surface, reducing halos.
9. Topical antibiotics: Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments can treat bacterial infections of the eye, relieving symptoms such as redness, discharge, and halos.
10. Antiglare coatings: Specialty coatings applied to eyeglass lenses can reduce glare from bright lights, minimizing halos and improving visual comfort, especially at night.

Surgeries for Halos Around Lights:

1. Cataract surgery: Removal of the clouded natural lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens can improve vision clarity and reduce halos associated with cataracts.
2. Laser refractive surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors, reducing halos and improving overall vision quality.
3. Corneal transplant: Replacement of a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea can restore vision and alleviate halos caused by corneal irregularities.
4. Glaucoma surgery: Procedures such as trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can lower intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of halos associated with glaucoma.
5. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): A type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, reducing halos and improving visual acuity.
6. Implantable contact lenses (ICLs): Surgical placement of a corrective lens inside the eye can correct refractive errors and reduce halos associated with contact lens wear.
7. Pterygium excision: Surgical removal of the abnormal tissue growth on the conjunctiva and cornea can improve vision and reduce halos caused by pterygium.
8. YAG laser capsulotomy: A laser procedure used to clear the clouded capsule behind the intraocular lens following cataract surgery, reducing halos and improving vision.
9. Epikeratophakia: A surgical procedure where a donor corneal epithelium is placed on the recipient’s cornea, correcting refractive errors and reducing halos.
10. Intracorneal ring segments: Placement of small plastic rings within the cornea can reshape its curvature, reducing halos and improving visual acuity in conditions like keratoconus.

Preventive Measures for Halos Around Lights:

1. Regular eye exams: Routine eye examinations can detect early signs of conditions that may cause halos, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
2. Protecting the eyes: Wearing sunglasses outdoors and safety goggles during activities that pose a risk of eye injury can prevent damage that may lead to halos.
3. Managing underlying health conditions: Controlling conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders can reduce the risk of eye complications that may cause halos.
4. Avoiding eye strain: Taking regular breaks from screen time, maintaining proper lighting, and using ergonomic workstations can prevent eye fatigue and reduce halos.
5. Practicing good eye hygiene: Following proper contact lens care instructions, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes excessively, and maintaining good overall hygiene can prevent eye infections and halos.
6. Monitoring medication side effects: Being aware of potential vision changes associated with medications and discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider can help prevent drug-induced halos.
7. Protecting against ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Wearing sunglasses with UV protection and avoiding excessive sun exposure can reduce the risk of eye damage and halos caused by UV exposure.
8. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can support overall eye health and reduce the risk of halos.
9. Managing dry eyes: Using artificial tears as needed, avoiding environmental triggers such as dry or windy conditions, and staying hydrated can prevent dry eye symptoms and associated halos.
10. Following post-operative care instructions: Adhering to prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that may strain the eyes can promote proper healing after eye surgery and reduce the risk of halos.

When to See a Doctor:

It’s essential to consult an eye care professional if you experience any of the following concerning symptoms:

• Persistent or worsening halos around lights, especially if accompanied by other vision changes.
• Severe eye pain, redness, or swelling.
• Sudden onset of halos or other visual disturbances.
• Eye injury or trauma.
• History of eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal disorders.
• Difficulty performing daily activities due to vision problems.
• Any other concerns about your eye health or vision.

Conclusion:

Halos around lights can be a distressing visual symptom that may indicate underlying eye conditions or other health issues. By understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, preventive measures, and when to seek medical attention, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their vision and maintain eye health. Regular eye examinations, healthy lifestyle habits, and prompt medical intervention can help alleviate halos and preserve clear vision for years to come. If you experience persistent or bothersome halos or other vision changes, don’t hesitate to consult an eye care professional for evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

References