Seeing Colored Halos Around Lights: Is It Astigmatism or Glaucoma?

The bulb has color on the outside?

I have a prescription of -4.75 for my left eye and -4.50 for my right eye.
Recently, when I look at a light bulb, I notice that there are red and blue halos around the outer edge of the bulb.
This halo refers to the outermost ring of the bulb, but when I take a picture with my phone, I don't see it.
Is this phenomenon due to astigmatism in my eyes, or could it be acute glaucoma? If it's not related, should I be concerned about it?

alisa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/03

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

It may be related to the lenses you are wearing; some lenses have a higher degree of dispersion, which could be the reason.
This is provided for your reference.
Dr.
Ho Chien-Hsien, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/10/03

More Info

Seeing colored halos around lights can be a concerning visual phenomenon, and it is understandable to question whether this is related to astigmatism or a more serious condition like glaucoma. Based on the information provided, it appears that you are experiencing colored halos, specifically red and blue light around the edges of light sources. This can indeed be associated with a few different ocular conditions.

Firstly, astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. In individuals with astigmatism, light rays entering the eye are not focused evenly on the retina, which can result in various visual distortions, including halos or glare around lights, especially at night or in low-light conditions. The phenomenon you are describing, where you see colored halos around light sources, could very well be attributed to astigmatism, particularly if you have a known history of this condition.

On the other hand, the presence of colored halos can also be indicative of other ocular issues, including glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). While colored halos are not the most common symptom of glaucoma, they can occur, especially in acute glaucoma attacks where there is a sudden increase in eye pressure. However, your reported eye pressures of 17 and 19 mmHg fall within the normal range, which makes acute glaucoma less likely.

Another potential cause for the colored halos could be related to the quality of your corrective lenses. If your glasses or contact lenses are not properly fitted or if they have imperfections, they can cause light to scatter, leading to visual distortions. Additionally, certain lens materials can contribute to chromatic aberration, which can manifest as colored fringes around lights.

It is also worth considering other factors such as dry eyes or inflammation, which can affect how light is processed by the eye. Dry eyes can lead to irregularities on the surface of the cornea, causing light to scatter and create halos. If you have been experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, such as a gritty sensation or fluctuating vision, this could be a contributing factor.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to astigmatism, it is essential to rule out other potential causes, including lens-related issues or dry eye conditions. Given that you have already consulted with an eye care professional and had your eye pressure checked, it may be beneficial to follow up with a comprehensive eye examination that includes a detailed assessment of your corneal health and a discussion about your current lenses. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience additional symptoms such as pain, redness, or significant changes in vision, it is crucial to seek further evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying conditions that require treatment.

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