Rainbow Halos Around Lights: Causes and Concerns

Appearance of rainbow halos around the eyes?

Hello Doctor: I have myopia of -7.00 in my left eye and over -9.00, close to -10.00 in my right eye.
Recently, I suddenly noticed that when wearing glasses, there is a rainbow halo appearing at the upper edge of the right lens when looking at lights.
The halo covers about half a circle and is limited to the upper edge of the right lens, while there seems to be no halo in other areas of the right lens or in the left lens.
However, when I remove my glasses and look at things up close, neither eye shows this phenomenon.
I would like to ask the doctor about the possible causes of this situation and the following questions: If there is a halo while wearing glasses but none when the glasses are removed, can the results without glasses be used as a basis for judgment? When looking at streetlights, there is a similar halo or glow around them.
I tend to be quite anxious and keep checking to ensure that there is no rainbow halo appearing.
I would like to ask the doctor if a rainbow halo can also appear around LED lights, fluorescent lights, advertising light boards, and other electrically powered items.
Thank you very much for your response, and I wish you good health and all the best.

N, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/10

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Observe the symptoms, and if they persist, seek medical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/05/10

More Info

The phenomenon of seeing rainbow halos around lights, particularly when wearing glasses, can be attributed to several factors related to the quality of vision and the optical properties of the eye and the corrective lenses. Given your high degree of myopia (nearsightedness) and the specific observation that the rainbow halo appears only at the top edge of your right lens, there are a few potential explanations to consider.

Possible Causes of Rainbow Halos
1. Lens Aberrations: High myopia can lead to changes in the shape of the eye and the lens, which may cause optical aberrations. These aberrations can result in light being refracted in a way that creates halos or rainbow effects around bright lights. If the top edge of your right lens is not perfectly shaped or if there is any distortion, this could lead to the observed phenomenon.

2. Corneal Issues: Conditions affecting the cornea, such as irregularities or dryness, can also cause light to scatter and create halos. If your right eye is experiencing any dryness or inflammation, this could contribute to the visual disturbances you are noticing.

3. Tears and Tear Film Quality: As mentioned in previous discussions, poor tear quality can lead to visual disturbances, including halos. If your eyes are not adequately lubricated, the light may scatter differently, leading to the perception of halos.

4. Refraction through Glasses: The material and design of your glasses can also play a role. If the lenses are scratched, dirty, or have a coating that affects light transmission, this could lead to visual artifacts such as halos. The specific area of the lens where you notice the halo could indicate a problem with that part of the lens.

Assessing the Situation
Regarding your question about whether the absence of halos when not wearing glasses can be used as a basis for diagnosis: yes, it can provide useful information. If the halos are only present when wearing glasses, it suggests that the issue may be related to the lenses rather than an inherent problem with your eyes. It would be advisable to have your glasses checked for any defects or to consider a different prescription or lens type.

Types of Lights and Halos
You also asked whether rainbow halos can appear around various types of artificial lights, such as LED lights, fluorescent lights, or advertising boards. The answer is yes; halos can occur around any bright light source, especially those that emit a broad spectrum of light. The phenomenon is more pronounced in low-light conditions or when there is moisture in the air, as these factors can enhance the scattering of light.

Recommendations
1. Consult an Eye Care Professional: Given your symptoms and the complexity of your vision issues, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional who can conduct a thorough examination. They can assess the quality of your tear film, check for any corneal irregularities, and evaluate your glasses.

2. Consider Artificial Tears: If dryness is a contributing factor, using artificial tears may help improve your symptoms. This can enhance the quality of your tear film and reduce the scattering of light.

3. Lens Evaluation: Have your lenses evaluated for any defects or consider trying a different type of lens that may reduce aberrations, such as high-index lenses designed for high myopia.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when and how often you see these halos, as well as any other symptoms. This information can be valuable for your eye care provider.

In summary, the appearance of rainbow halos around lights can be multifactorial, involving both the optical properties of your eyes and the characteristics of your corrective lenses. A comprehensive eye examination will help clarify the underlying causes and guide appropriate management.

Similar Q&A

Seeing Rainbow Halos Around Lights: Should You Be Concerned?

Hello doctor, seeing rainbow circles around lights indicates an issue with the eyes. Should I seek medical attention? Could this be a sign of glaucoma, or is it only associated with acute glaucoma?

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Seeing rainbow halos may be caused by corneal edema, which can arise from various conditions. For instance, wearing contact lenses for too long can lead to this issue, and glaucoma can also present similar symptoms. Cataracts may also cause halos around lights. It is adv...

Seeing Rainbow Halos Around Lights: Should You Be Concerned?

I recently noticed that when I look at lights at night, there is a rainbow halo around them. At home, the lights only have a halo, but when I look at streetlights outside, there is a complete rainbow circle. I'm worried that there might be something wrong with my eyes, but I...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Sometimes it is caused by corneal edema or discharge. Of course, elevated intraocular pressure can also lead to this phenomenon. It would be a good idea to schedule an examination.

Understanding Rainbow Halo Effects Around Lights: Causes and Solutions

I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask the doctor: at night, I see what appears to be rainbow-like rays near streetlights. After an examination, the doctor said my eye pressure is normal and used a mirror to check my optic nerve, stating that everything looks ...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Under normal circumstances, we do not easily encounter this situation. However, if the eyes are otherwise healthy, it is possible to experience this issue due to tear film imbalance or poor lens cleanliness. This is for your reference.

Understanding Visual Disturbances: Rainbow Halos and Light Trails

A month ago, I noticed that when I looked at bright lights, I saw a halo resembling a rainbow around them. I visited a nearby ophthalmologist, who examined my eyes and suggested that this might be caused by a few small holes in my cornea. I was prescribed eye drops, which I used ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Chao Da: The previous corneal perforation may have caused scarring on the cornea, which could explain the current phenomenon. As for the double vision, it may be due to irregular astigmatism caused by the scarring. However, without a personal examination, I cannot confirm ...