Seeing Halos Around Streetlights: Should You Be Concerned? - Ophthalmology

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Seeing halos around streetlights can be a concerning symptom, especially for individuals with pre-existing eye conditions such as high myopia (nearsightedness) and floaters. Your experience of noticing halos that increase in size as you approach the light source, regardless of whether you are wearing glasses, can indeed be alarming.
First, it is essential to understand that halos can arise from various causes. In many cases, they are a normal optical phenomenon, particularly in individuals with refractive errors like myopia or astigmatism. When light passes through the eye, it can scatter due to imperfections in the cornea or lens, leading to the perception of halos around bright lights. This is often exacerbated in low-light conditions, such as at night when looking at streetlights or headlights.

However, halos can also be indicative of more serious eye conditions. For instance, they can be associated with glaucoma, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or headaches. In addition, cataracts can cause similar visual disturbances as they lead to clouding of the lens, which scatters light. Other potential causes include corneal edema, which can occur due to various factors, including inflammation or injury.

Given your history of high myopia and floaters, it is prudent to take your symptoms seriously. While it is possible that what you are experiencing is a benign optical effect, the presence of halos can sometimes signal underlying issues that require attention. Since you had a dilated eye exam a month ago, it is a good sign that your eye health was recently evaluated. However, if your symptoms have changed or worsened since that examination, it would be advisable to return to your eye care provider for a more thorough evaluation.

During your visit, the eye doctor may perform additional tests, such as a visual field test to check for peripheral vision loss, or an assessment of your intraocular pressure to rule out glaucoma. They may also examine the health of your retina and optic nerve, especially given your experience of floaters, which can sometimes be associated with retinal issues.

In conclusion, while halos around lights can be a common occurrence, especially for those with refractive errors, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any changes, such as an increase in the size or frequency of the halos, or if you experience any new symptoms like pain or significant vision changes, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from an eye care professional. Regular check-ups are vital for maintaining eye health, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Your proactive approach to understanding your symptoms is commendable, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your vision.