Have you recently noticed bright circles or rings around lights, especially at night or in low-light settings? The sudden appearance of halos around lights can be unsettling and make everyday activities like driving or reading more difficult. During an eye exam, our trusted optometrist in Nashville can help figure out why you’re seeing them and what it means for your eye health.
Keep reading to learn about what halos around lights could indicate and when you should see an eye doctor.
Is it normal to see halos around lights?
Halos are glowing circles or rings that appear around light sources. You’ll usually notice them more at night, in dim lighting, or when driving in the dark.
Seeing halos occasionally after looking at bright lights can be normal. However, if they appear suddenly or don’t go away, they may be a sign of an underlying eye problem.
Common causes of halos
Several eye conditions can cause halos:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens can scatter light, producing halos and glare.
- Dry eye: Insufficient tear production can blur vision and make lights appear hazy or like they are surrounded by rings.
- Glaucoma: Elevated eye pressure can affect vision and sometimes lead to halos.
- Corneal changes: Conditions like keratoconus can alter the cornea’s shape, causing halos.
- Refractive surgery – After procedures like LASIK, some people notice halos temporarily.
- Eye strain or outdated prescriptions: An outdated prescription for glasses or contact lenses and long hours on screens can contribute to visual disturbances.
Other symptoms to watch for
Halos can sometimes appear with other signs that indicate you should schedule an eye exam:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Headaches, especially after visual tasks
Catching these symptoms early allows our optometrist to identify the cause faster and recommend the right treatment for your eyes.
Protecting your vision and comfort
Depending on the cause, we may suggest:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct vision changes
- Dry eye treatment to hydrate the eye surface
- Monitoring or treatment for cataracts or glaucoma
- Guidance on post-surgery visual changes
Taking action now can help you get peace of mind and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Stay on top of your eye health
Seeing halos around lights could mean you’re developing an eye condition like glaucoma or cataracts. If you’ve noticed sudden or persistent halos, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at Lemoncelli Eyecare today.