The phenomenon of halos appearing intermittently after keratitis?
Hello, doctor.
Around mid-November, my wife developed keratitis, experiencing symptoms such as redness, swelling, punctate corneal erosions, and blurred vision.
She consulted several doctors, and eventually, one of them prescribed autologous serum and a steroid eye drop, which led to improvement.
By mid-December, during a follow-up visit, the doctor confirmed that the keratitis had resolved, the erosions had healed, and the leukoma was expected to fade naturally.
However, after that, my wife reported seeing halos around lights in the affected eye.
During follow-up examinations, the doctors stated that this was unrelated to the keratitis, and the leukoma had improved.
A dilated fundus examination showed no retinal abnormalities, and intraocular pressure was within normal limits.
She has since seen several other doctors, all of whom agreed that the leukoma from the keratitis was improving but could not explain the cause of the halos.
The halos appeared a few times, typically disappearing the day after using the steroid eye drops.
The most recent occurrence was on December 28, with halos appearing, and after using the eye drops on December 29, the halos disappeared by December 30.
However, on January 2, my wife reported that the halos reappeared, and she experienced stinging and redness in the eye after using the drops on two occasions.
The halos from December 29 lasted for 3-4 hours.
She is hesitant to continue using the steroid drops due to her high myopia and concerns about potential intraocular pressure issues.
Other ophthalmologists have advised against continuing the steroid drops, suggesting that she only use artificial tears.
Could you please help us understand why the halos disappear for a few days and then reappear? My wife mentioned that on the days the halos occurred, she felt colder.
Thank you for your guidance.
Lin r, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/03
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Lin R: The formation of halos is likely related to the cornea, but I cannot determine the exact cause without further information.
It may be that some inflammation is present, causing the cornea to be slightly irregular, which can lead to the phenomenon of halos.
Additionally, intraocular pressure is also a factor to consider, as elevated eye pressure can cause halos as well.
If corticosteroid eye drops are prescribed for conditions such as keratitis or conjunctivitis, they should be used, and can be discontinued once symptoms resolve.
The next time you experience halos, it is advisable to measure your intraocular pressure to check for any elevation.
The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only, and it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin
Reply Date: 2019/01/03
More Info
Halo vision, or the perception of halos around lights, can be a distressing symptom following corneal inflammation, such as keratitis. In your wife's case, it seems that her experience with keratitis has led to this phenomenon, which can be attributed to several factors related to the condition and its treatment.
Firstly, keratitis often results in changes to the corneal surface. The cornea is responsible for focusing light onto the retina, and any irregularities or scarring can disrupt this process. In your wife's situation, the corneal inflammation and subsequent healing may have left behind some irregularities or opacities, which can scatter light and create the perception of halos. This is particularly common in cases where there has been significant inflammation or damage to the corneal epithelium, as it may not heal perfectly smooth.
The use of medications, such as corticosteroids (like the "如視" mentioned), can also influence the cornea's healing process. While these medications are crucial for reducing inflammation, they can sometimes lead to side effects, including changes in corneal clarity or surface irregularities. If your wife has experienced a reduction in the clarity of her cornea due to these medications, it could contribute to her experiencing halos.
Another factor to consider is the potential for dry eyes, which can be exacerbated by the use of certain eye drops or medications. Dryness can lead to fluctuations in vision and may cause halos or glare, especially in low-light conditions. If your wife is experiencing dry eyes, using artificial tears as recommended by her doctors could help alleviate some of these symptoms.
Regarding the recurring nature of the halos, it is not uncommon for symptoms to fluctuate, especially if there are underlying issues such as residual inflammation or changes in the corneal surface. The fact that the halos seem to improve after using the corticosteroid drops suggests that inflammation may still be playing a role in her symptoms. However, if the halos persist or worsen, it may be worth discussing further diagnostic options with her ophthalmologist, such as corneal topography, to assess the surface of the cornea more closely.
It is also important to monitor her intraocular pressure (IOP), especially given her history of keratitis and the use of corticosteroids, which can sometimes lead to increased IOP. Regular check-ups with her ophthalmologist will help ensure that her eye health is being closely monitored.
In summary, the halos your wife is experiencing are likely related to the changes in her cornea due to keratitis and its treatment. While it can be frustrating that multiple doctors have not provided a definitive explanation, the factors mentioned above—corneal irregularities, potential dryness, and the effects of medication—are all plausible contributors. Continuing to use artificial tears, maintaining regular follow-ups with her eye care provider, and discussing any new or worsening symptoms will be key to managing her condition effectively. If the halos persist or if there are any concerns about her vision or eye pressure, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation may be beneficial.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Halo Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Symptoms
Hello Doctor: Recently, I suddenly noticed a faint halo in my left eye, and when I close my eyes, it turns into a white halo. I went to an ophthalmology clinic for an examination, and my intraocular pressure was normal, as well as the photographs of my eyes. My visual field is fi...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: The symptoms you described may be related to the retina of the eye. The retina is an important part of the eye responsible for receiving and transmitting visual information to the brain. When the retina is damaged or affected by other issues, symptoms like afterimages, hal...[Read More] Understanding Halo Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Symptoms
Understanding Astigmatism and Halo Effects in Night Vision
Hello Doctor: In the past few months, I have been seeing halos and glare around streetlights at night, and even during the day, I notice this effect when looking at bright lights indoors. There are also rainbow-colored rings around lights. I have seen a doctor who performed a fun...
Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: If you experience halos and glare when looking at streetlights at night or bright lights indoors during the day, along with nearby rainbow halos, this may be due to irregularities in the cornea or the surface of the eye. This phenomenon is typically associated with several...[Read More] Understanding Astigmatism and Halo Effects in Night Vision
Understanding Corneal Healing: Fluctuating Vision After Keratitis
Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. I developed conjunctivitis in my right eye on February 7, which progressed to keratitis by February 15, leading to a corneal abrasion that has lasted for over a month and a half. My vision deteriorated to 0.1 due to the sl...
Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
I recommend that you 1. discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. 2. visit the ophthalmology outpatient department at a medical center or large hospital. Thank you, and wish you good health![Read More] Understanding Corneal Healing: Fluctuating Vision After Keratitis
Common Issues After Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses: What to Know
Hello Doctor, I started wearing orthokeratology lenses in early March this year, and I have been wearing them for about five months now. However, during this time, my vision has not been very stable. My original prescription was -5.25 in the right eye and -5.75 in the left eye. R...
Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello Jack, It is evident that the distribution of tears is uneven, which can create a foggy sensation and cause lens displacement. This can lead to astigmatism. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Komeilan[Read More] Common Issues After Wearing Orthokeratology Lenses: What to Know
Related FAQ
(Ophthalmology)
Corneal Inflammation(Ophthalmology)
Iritis(Ophthalmology)
Halos Around Lights(Ophthalmology)
Pink Eye(Ophthalmology)
Corneal Ulcer(Ophthalmology)
Post-Chalazion Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Post-Lasik Surgery(Ophthalmology)
Visual Afterimages(Ophthalmology)
Rainbow Halos(Ophthalmology)