Why Your New Glasses Might Cause Rainbow Effects at Night - Ophthalmology

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When you experience rainbow effects or halos around lights at night after getting new glasses, it can be attributed to several factors related to the optics of the lenses, the quality of the lens material, and your own visual system. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this phenomenon occurs and what you might consider doing about it.


1. Lens Quality and Coating
New glasses may have different lens materials or coatings compared to your old pair. If your new lenses are made from a different type of plastic or have a different anti-reflective coating, they may interact with light differently. For instance, if the lenses are not properly coated or if the coating is of lower quality, it can lead to increased reflections and scattering of light. This scattering can create the appearance of halos or rainbow effects around bright lights, especially in low-light conditions.


2. Optical Distortion
If your new glasses have a different prescription, even a slight change can affect how light is refracted through the lenses. This is particularly true if the lenses are not perfectly aligned with your eyes or if there is any distortion in the lens shape. Such distortions can cause light to bend in unexpected ways, leading to visual artifacts like halos or rainbow effects.


3. Adaptation Period
It’s common for individuals to experience visual disturbances when transitioning to new glasses, especially if the prescription has changed significantly. Your eyes may need time to adapt to the new lenses, and during this adaptation period, you might notice halos or rainbow effects that were not present with your old glasses. This is particularly true if you are sensitive to changes in your vision.


4. Environmental Factors
You mentioned that the phenomenon occurs during wet and cold weather. Humidity can affect how light interacts with your lenses and the surrounding environment. For example, moisture on the lenses or in the air can cause light to scatter more than usual, enhancing the appearance of halos. Additionally, if your lenses fog up due to temperature changes (like wearing a mask), this can further exacerbate the issue.


5. Underlying Eye Conditions
While it’s less likely if you’ve recently had an eye exam and your eye health was deemed normal, certain eye conditions can also cause halos or rainbow effects. For instance, dry eyes, corneal irregularities, or cataracts can lead to similar visual disturbances. If you have a history of eye issues or if the problem persists, it may be worth consulting with an eye care professional to rule out any underlying conditions.


Recommendations
- Consult Your Optometrist: If the rainbow effects continue or worsen, it’s advisable to return to the optometrist who prescribed your glasses. They can check the alignment of the lenses, the accuracy of the prescription, and the quality of the lenses.

- Give It Time: If the glasses are new, give your eyes some time to adjust. Many people find that their vision stabilizes after a few days to weeks.

- Lens Cleaning: Ensure that your lenses are clean and free from smudges or moisture, as these can contribute to visual distortions.

- Consider Anti-Reflective Coatings: If your new glasses lack an anti-reflective coating, you might want to discuss this option with your optometrist, as it can help reduce glare and improve clarity, especially at night.

In conclusion, while experiencing rainbow effects with new glasses can be concerning, it is often a temporary issue related to lens quality, adaptation, or environmental factors. However, if the symptoms persist, a thorough examination by an eye care professional is recommended to ensure there are no underlying issues affecting your vision.