Seeing Colorful Halos Around Lights at Night: Is It Glaucoma? - Ophthalmology

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Seeing colorful halos around lights at night can be a concerning symptom, especially for someone with a history of high myopia (severe nearsightedness) and other visual disturbances like floaters. While your symptoms may understandably lead you to worry about conditions like glaucoma, it is essential to consider various factors that could contribute to this phenomenon.

The appearance of colorful halos around lights, particularly at night, can be attributed to several potential causes. One common explanation is the presence of corneal edema, which occurs when the cornea becomes swollen due to fluid accumulation. This swelling can distort light as it enters the eye, resulting in halos or rainbow-like effects around bright lights. Additionally, dry eyes can exacerbate this issue, as insufficient tear film can lead to irregularities in the corneal surface, further distorting light.

Another possibility is the presence of light scatter due to the optical properties of the eye. In individuals with high myopia, the shape of the eye can lead to increased light scattering, especially in low-light conditions. This scattering can create halos and glare when viewing bright lights, such as street lamps or car headlights. Furthermore, if you are wearing rigid gas permeable contact lenses, any slight misalignment or dryness can also contribute to these visual disturbances.

While glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss, the symptoms you describe do not necessarily indicate that you have this disease. Glaucoma typically presents with peripheral vision loss and increased intraocular pressure, and while halos can occur in acute angle-closure glaucoma, they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Since your eye pressure readings were within normal limits (16/17 mmHg), and you have not reported any additional symptoms associated with glaucoma, it is less likely that this is the cause of your halos.

It is also worth noting that fluctuations in your symptoms, such as the halos appearing intermittently and resolving after a night's sleep, may suggest that environmental factors or temporary changes in your eye condition are at play. Factors such as fatigue, stress, or even the lighting conditions in your environment can influence how your eyes perceive light.

Given your ongoing concerns and the persistence of these symptoms, it is advisable to continue consulting with an eye care professional. A comprehensive eye examination, including tests for dry eye syndrome, corneal health, and possibly a more detailed assessment of your visual optics, may provide further insights. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation may be beneficial to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, while colorful halos around lights can be alarming, they are often related to benign causes such as corneal edema, dry eyes, or light scattering, particularly in individuals with high myopia. Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor and maintaining good eye health practices, such as proper hydration and managing dry eye symptoms, can help alleviate your concerns and improve your visual comfort.