Glare and Halos: Eye Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained - Ophthalmology

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Understanding glare and halos can be quite concerning, especially when they appear during nighttime activities. Your experience of seeing glare and halos around lights, particularly white lights, is a common symptom that can arise from various eye conditions. It's good to hear that you have already consulted with an ophthalmologist who performed an eye pressure check and a dilated fundus exam, ruling out serious conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Glare and halos can often be attributed to several factors, including dry eyes, which seems to be the diagnosis your doctor provided. When the eyes are dry, the tear film that normally coats the surface of the eye becomes unstable, leading to visual disturbances. This can cause light to scatter more than usual, resulting in glare and halos around lights, especially at night when the pupils dilate and let in more light.

In addition to dry eyes, other potential causes of glare and halos include:
1. Corneal Issues: Conditions such as corneal abrasions, irregularities, or scarring can lead to light distortion. If the cornea is not smooth, it can scatter light and create visual disturbances.

2. Refractive Errors: Uncorrected refractive errors (like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism) can also contribute to glare and halos. If your prescription is not up to date, it might be worth revisiting your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.

3. Post-Surgical Changes: If you have had any previous eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, changes in the cornea or lens can lead to glare and halos.

4. Medications: Certain medications can cause dry eyes or affect vision. If you are on any medications, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.

5. Environmental Factors: Exposure to bright lights, especially at night, can exacerbate symptoms. This is particularly true for individuals who are sensitive to light.

Your doctor’s recommendation to use artificial tears is a common and effective treatment for dry eyes. These eye drops can help maintain moisture on the surface of your eyes, reducing symptoms of dryness and improving overall comfort. Additionally, ensuring that you take regular breaks from screens and practice good eye hygiene can help alleviate symptoms.

If your symptoms persist despite using artificial tears, or if you notice any changes in your vision, it would be prudent to follow up with your eye care provider. They may consider additional tests to evaluate the health of your cornea and tear film or explore other potential causes of your symptoms.

In summary, while glare and halos can be alarming, they are often manageable with proper care and treatment. Your ophthalmologist's assessment seems appropriate given the tests performed, and focusing on maintaining eye moisture and regular check-ups will be beneficial. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or further evaluation. Your eye health is paramount, and staying informed about your symptoms is an important part of managing your eye care.