Halos and Glare from New Glasses: When to Seek Eye Care

At night, the streetlights and vehicle headlights appear to emit radiating light?

Hello, Doctor.
I have myopia of -600/-625 and astigmatism of -100 in both eyes.
I also have floaters.
Since my work involves using a computer in an office setting, I usually wear my old glasses with a lower prescription.
Recently, I got a new pair of glasses for night riding, but I've noticed that while things are very clear, streetlights and car headlights appear with a significant halo effect.
My old glasses also show this effect, but it’s not as pronounced.
I would like to know if this is an issue with the glasses or something else.
Should I visit a regular clinic, or would it be better to go to a larger hospital (like XXX) for a check-up?

CHRIS, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/13

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

To determine if the issue is caused by your glasses, simply take them off and look at a streetlight or car headlights to see if the same condition persists.
This will help identify the source of the problem.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/10/13

More Info

When it comes to experiencing halos and glare, especially after getting new glasses, it’s important to understand the potential causes and when to seek further eye care. Based on your description, it seems that you have recently switched to a new pair of glasses intended for nighttime driving, and you are noticing significant halos and glare around lights, particularly streetlights and headlights. This can be a common issue, especially for individuals with certain refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, which you mentioned having.

Understanding Halos and Glare
Halos and glare can occur for several reasons:
1. Lens Quality and Coating: New lenses may have different coatings or materials that can affect how light is refracted. If the lenses are not properly coated to reduce glare or if they are made from a material that scatters light more than your previous lenses, this can result in increased halos and glare.

2. Prescription Changes: If your new glasses have a different prescription than your old ones, your eyes may need time to adjust. A significant change in prescription can lead to visual disturbances, including halos and glare.

3. Astigmatism: Since you have astigmatism, it’s possible that the new lenses are not adequately correcting for this condition. Astigmatism can cause light to scatter, leading to halos around lights, especially at night.

4. Pupil Size: At night, your pupils dilate to let in more light. If the new lenses have a smaller optical zone or if there is any distortion in the lens, this can exacerbate the perception of halos.

5. Underlying Eye Conditions: Conditions like cataracts or corneal irregularities can also contribute to glare and halos. Given your history of floaters, it’s essential to monitor any changes in your vision.

When to Seek Eye Care
If you are experiencing significant discomfort or if the halos and glare are affecting your ability to drive safely, it is advisable to seek professional eye care. Here are some guidelines on when to see an eye care professional:
- Persistent Symptoms: If the halos and glare do not improve after a few days of wearing the new glasses, it’s time to consult with an eye care professional.

- Changes in Vision: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, such as increased floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, seek immediate care.

- Discomfort: If you experience discomfort, headaches, or eye strain while wearing the new glasses, this could indicate that the prescription is not correct or that the lenses are not suitable for your needs.

- Follow-Up: If you have a history of eye conditions or if you are concerned about the quality of your vision, it may be beneficial to visit a larger hospital or specialized eye clinic for a comprehensive evaluation.

Choosing the Right Eye Care Provider
In terms of where to seek care, both general eye clinics and larger hospitals can provide the necessary evaluations. However, if you have specific concerns about the quality of your new lenses or if you suspect an underlying condition, visiting a larger hospital with specialized eye care services may be beneficial. They often have access to advanced diagnostic tools that can provide a more thorough assessment of your eye health.

Conclusion
In summary, experiencing halos and glare with new glasses can be due to various factors, including lens quality, prescription changes, and underlying eye conditions. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to seek professional eye care. Whether you choose a general clinic or a larger hospital, ensure that you communicate your symptoms clearly to receive the best possible care. Regular eye examinations are crucial, especially for individuals with myopia and astigmatism, to monitor any changes in vision and to ensure that your prescription is up to date.

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