Light Rings in Vision: Causes and Concerns

Q: Light Rings in Vision: Causes and Concerns

Hello： The phenomenon of seeing halos when moving your eyes may be related to certain physiological or optical effects of the eyes, and is usually not indicative of issues with the retina or optic nerve. <br>Here are some factors that may explain this situation： <br>1. <br>High M

Seeing halos when closing the eyes?

Hello Dr.
Gao,
A few days ago, I asked a question (#200693), and following your advice, I quickly scheduled an appointment with a retinal specialist at the hospital for a dilated fundus examination.
The results showed that the ophthalmologist did not find any new retinal tears, and the optic nerve appeared normal (intraocular pressure: left eye: 17/right eye: 16).
However, due to the high patient volume at the clinic, the doctor mentioned that experiencing flashes of light when moving my eyes is normal for someone with high myopia.
The only advice given was to limit screen time and avoid excessive eye movement, and I was prescribed O.N.S.D.
eye drops.
I would like to ask Dr.
Gao about the phenomenon I am experiencing.
Previously, I have never noticed flashes of light when moving my eyes (especially in dim lighting conditions).
This occurs particularly when I get up at night to use the restroom and inadvertently move my eyes upward quickly, resulting in flashes that last only one or two seconds.
It seems that the darker the environment, the larger and more pronounced the flashes become, and this occurs in both eyes in the same position.
How can this symptom be explained? Is it related to optic nerve or lens diseases? Or could it be a sign of vitreous detachment, such as Weiss rings (if it is Weiss rings, why is it related to changes in lighting)? If it is due to vitreous detachment, how long does this typically last? What would be the best way for me to manage this situation?
I apologize for the many questions, as I am feeling quite anxious.
Thank you for your help, Dr.
Gao.

Lin Xiansheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/20

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: The phenomenon of seeing halos when moving your eyes may be related to certain physiological or optical effects of the eyes, and is usually not indicative of issues with the retina or optic nerve.
Here are some factors that may explain this situation:
1.
High Myopia: You mentioned that you have high myopia, which means your eyes may have a longer axial length, increasing the likelihood of certain optical effects, especially in low light conditions.

2.
Pupil Size: The pupil changes size under different lighting conditions, which can also affect the size and brightness of the halos or rings you see.

3.
Vitreous Body: The vitreous body is a transparent gel-like substance within the eye, and changes in its state or detachment can sometimes lead to optical effects, but typically do not cause long-term severe impacts on vision.
If it is a vitreous detachment, the advice from your doctor to limit screen time and avoid excessive eye movement is appropriate.

4.
Environmental Lighting: The size and brightness of halos or rings may be related to the lighting conditions in your environment.
In dim conditions, the pupil dilates, which may make the halos more pronounced.

Vitreous detachment is a relatively common eye condition that usually does not require specific treatment, but close monitoring of any changes is necessary.
Here is some information regarding vitreous detachment:
1.
Duration: The duration of vitreous detachment can vary from person to person and may differ under various circumstances.
For most individuals, the detachment may gradually improve, or you may become accustomed to these mild optical effects.
In most cases, it does not lead to long-term severe impacts on vision.

2.
Treatment: Generally, vitreous detachment does not require specific treatment.
However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact an ophthalmologist immediately:
- Sudden appearance of numerous floaters or dark spots
- Sudden flashes of light or flickering lights
- Blurred vision or areas of vision loss
These symptoms may indicate retinal detachment, which requires urgent attention.

Reply Date: 2023/09/20

More Info

Understanding light rings and visual phenomena such as glare, halos, and starbursts can be quite concerning, especially when they appear suddenly or change in nature. Based on your description and the previous discussions, it seems you are experiencing visual disturbances primarily in low-light conditions, which can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the presence of halos or light rings around bright objects, especially at night, can often be related to the optical properties of the eye. Conditions such as astigmatism can cause light to scatter unevenly, leading to the perception of halos. In your case, since you have high myopia (nearsightedness), this could also contribute to the distortion of light as it enters your eye. The cornea's shape and the lens's clarity play significant roles in how light is focused, and any irregularities can lead to visual disturbances.

Another potential cause is cataracts, which can develop over time and lead to clouding of the lens. This clouding can scatter light, resulting in halos around lights, particularly at night. However, given that your recent eye examination did not indicate any new retinal tears or significant issues, cataracts may not be the primary concern at this moment.

You mentioned experiencing these symptoms particularly when moving your eyes quickly or in low-light conditions. This could suggest that the vitreous gel in your eye is undergoing changes, such as vitreous detachment. As the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the retina, it can create visual phenomena like flashes of light or halos. This is often a normal part of aging but can occur earlier in individuals with high myopia. The fact that you see these light rings more prominently in dim lighting is consistent with how our pupils dilate in low light, allowing more light to enter the eye, which can exacerbate any optical aberrations present.

Regarding your concern about the duration of these symptoms, vitreous detachment can lead to transient visual disturbances, but the symptoms may persist for weeks to months as the eye adjusts. If the symptoms are due to vitreous changes, they may stabilize over time, but it is essential to monitor for any new symptoms, such as an increase in flashes or a sudden increase in floaters, which could indicate more serious issues.

In terms of management, it is crucial to follow your eye care provider's advice. Reducing screen time and avoiding rapid eye movements can help minimize discomfort. The use of prescribed eye drops, such as O.N.S.D., may also provide symptomatic relief. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience any new visual changes, it is vital to seek further evaluation from an eye care professional.

In summary, while your symptoms can be alarming, they are often related to common ocular conditions, particularly in individuals with high myopia. Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are essential to ensure that any changes in your vision are monitored and managed appropriately. If you continue to experience anxiety regarding your symptoms, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider, as they can offer reassurance and further guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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