Halo Effects Around Lights: Causes and Solutions - Ophthalmology

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The phenomenon you are experiencing, specifically the halo effects around lights at night, can be attributed to several factors, particularly in the context of your existing astigmatism and myopia. Let's delve into the potential causes and solutions for these visual disturbances.


Causes of Halo Effects
1. Astigmatism: Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens. This irregularity can lead to distorted or blurred vision, especially in low-light conditions. When you look at bright lights, the light rays entering your eye may not focus evenly on the retina, resulting in halos or glare around the light sources.

2. Myopia (Nearsightedness): Myopia can also contribute to visual disturbances at night. Individuals with myopia often experience difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, and this can be exacerbated by bright lights, leading to the perception of halos or glare.

3. Dry Eyes: Prolonged screen time, as you mentioned, can lead to dry eyes, which may cause visual disturbances, including halos. When the tear film on the surface of your eye is insufficient, it can lead to irregularities in how light is refracted, causing halos around lights.

4. Pupil Dilation: In low-light conditions, your pupils dilate to allow more light to enter the eye. This dilation can make any existing refractive errors more pronounced, leading to increased halos and glare.

5. Corneal Issues: Conditions such as corneal edema or irregularities can also cause halos. If the cornea is swollen or has an uneven surface, it can scatter light and create visual disturbances.

6. Increased Sensitivity: Some individuals are more sensitive to bright lights, especially at night. This heightened sensitivity can lead to the perception of halos around lights that others may not notice.


Solutions and Recommendations
1. Regular Eye Exams: Since you already wear glasses, ensure that your prescription is up to date. Regular eye exams can help monitor your astigmatism and myopia, and your eye care professional can make necessary adjustments to your prescription.

2. Proper Lighting: When using screens, ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce eye strain. Consider using blue light filters on your devices to minimize glare and reduce eye fatigue.

3. Artificial Tears: If dry eyes are a concern, using lubricating eye drops can help maintain moisture on the surface of your eyes, potentially reducing halos and glare.

4. Limit Screen Time: Try to take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a good practice: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

5. Pupil-Restricting Glasses: In some cases, glasses that restrict the size of the pupil can help reduce halos and glare. Consult with your eye care provider to see if this option is suitable for you.

6. Consider Contact Lenses: If you are comfortable with them, contact lenses may provide a different visual experience compared to glasses, potentially reducing the perception of halos.

7. Monitor Eye Health: If you notice any changes in your vision or if the halos become more pronounced, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional. They can assess for any underlying conditions that may need to be addressed.


Conclusion
In summary, the halo effects you are experiencing are likely related to your existing astigmatism and myopia, compounded by factors such as dry eyes and pupil dilation in low-light conditions. By taking proactive steps to manage your eye health and addressing any contributing factors, you can help alleviate these visual disturbances. Always consult with your eye care provider for personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.