Halo Vision: Causes and Concerns for Nighttime Light Disturbances - Ophthalmology

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Halo vision, or the perception of halos around lights, especially at night, can be a common visual phenomenon experienced by many individuals. This condition can be particularly noticeable when looking at bright lights, such as street lamps or car headlights. The symptoms you describe—seeing a bright inner circle and a darker outer circle around lights, along with the presence of "sparkling" beams—can be attributed to several factors.


Causes of Halo Vision
1. Refractive Errors: Since you mentioned having high myopia (nearsightedness), this can contribute to halo vision. Myopia can cause light rays to focus incorrectly on the retina, leading to blurred vision and halos around bright lights. The distortion is often more pronounced at night due to the contrast between bright lights and dark surroundings.

2. Corneal Issues: Conditions affecting the cornea, such as keratoconus or corneal scarring, can also lead to halo vision. The irregular shape of the cornea can cause light to scatter, resulting in halos.

3. Cataracts: Although you did not mention having cataracts, they are a common cause of halo vision, particularly in older adults. Cataracts can cause light to scatter as it passes through the cloudy lens, creating halos around lights.

4. Dry Eyes: Dry eye syndrome can exacerbate visual disturbances, including halos. When the tear film is unstable, it can lead to inconsistent vision, especially in bright light conditions.

5. Glaucoma: While your eye pressure readings are within the normal range, it’s important to note that elevated intraocular pressure can lead to glaucoma, which can cause visual disturbances, including halos. However, the absence of other symptoms like headaches or nausea makes this less likely in your case.

6. Environmental Factors: As you noted, humidity and fog can also affect how light is perceived. When your glasses fog up, the moisture can create a prism effect, leading to colorful halos around lights. This is a normal optical phenomenon and typically resolves when the glasses clear.


Concerns and Recommendations
Given your concerns about potential glaucoma due to your high myopia, it is wise to maintain regular check-ups with your eye care professional. While your current eye pressure readings are normal, continuous monitoring is essential, especially since high myopia can increase the risk of retinal issues and glaucoma.

The sensation of pressure around your nasal bridge could be related to sinus congestion, which can affect your vision temporarily. Sinus issues can lead to visual disturbances, particularly if they cause pressure on the optic nerve or surrounding areas.


Conclusion
In summary, the halo vision you are experiencing is likely multifactorial, influenced by your high myopia, potential corneal irregularities, and environmental factors. While it is not uncommon, it is crucial to keep an eye on any changes in your vision and to consult with your eye care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen. Regular eye exams will help ensure that any underlying conditions are monitored and managed appropriately. If you experience any new symptoms, such as sudden vision loss, severe headaches, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention.