Halo Vision: Causes and Solutions for Eye Health - Ophthalmology

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Halo in the left eye?


Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about something I've experienced in the past day or two.
When walking at night, I notice that lights in the distance, such as streetlights or car headlights, appear as rings of light with a hollow center.
However, when I get closer, the lights appear solid again.
Squinting or using my right eye does not produce this effect.
I've been using the computer for long periods recently, and my prescription for both eyes is -10.50 diopters.
Could this be due to my glasses prescription (which is -10.00) being insufficient? Thank you, doctor!

Xiao Hong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/26

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Based on the situation you described, seeing streetlights or car headlights appear as rings at night may be related to specific issues with your eyes.
This symptom could be caused by refractive abnormalities on the surface of the cornea or lens, or it may be due to light scattering on the retina.
Prolonged computer use can lead to eye strain, but generally, it does not directly cause the symptoms you described.
You mentioned that your current glasses prescription is -10.50 diopters; it is advisable to have an eye examination as soon as new symptoms arise.
Issues with optical prescription can affect your vision, but the symptoms mentioned may also involve other factors, such as problems with the lens or changes in other ocular structures.
Additionally, if only your left eye is experiencing this symptom while your right eye is not, it may indicate a change in vision in the left eye or the presence of other issues.
It is recommended that you see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Reply Date: 2023/12/26

More Info


Halo vision, often described as seeing rings or halos around lights, can be a concerning symptom, especially for someone with high myopia (nearsightedness) like yourself. This phenomenon can occur for various reasons, and understanding its causes is essential for addressing your eye health.


Causes of Halo Vision
1. Refractive Errors: Given your high degree of myopia (1050 degrees), it's possible that your current prescription (1000 degrees) is insufficient. When the prescription is not strong enough, it can lead to visual distortions, including halos around lights. This is particularly noticeable at night when the contrast between bright lights and dark surroundings is more pronounced.

2. Corneal Issues: Conditions such as corneal edema (swelling) or irregularities in the cornea can also cause halo vision. If the cornea is not smooth, light may scatter as it passes through, creating halos.

3. Dry Eyes: Prolonged computer use can lead to dry eyes, which can exacerbate visual disturbances. When the eyes are dry, the tear film that normally smooths the surface of the eye becomes unstable, leading to blurred vision and halos.

4. Cataracts: Although less common in younger individuals, cataracts can cause halos around lights due to the clouding of the lens in the eye. This is something that should be evaluated, especially if you notice other symptoms like increased glare or difficulty seeing at night.

5. Visual Fatigue: Extended periods of screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which may manifest as halos, blurred vision, and discomfort. This is often due to the eye muscles becoming fatigued from constant focusing on close objects.


Solutions and Recommendations
1. Update Your Prescription: Since you suspect that your current glasses may not be strong enough, it is crucial to have your vision re-evaluated by an eye care professional. An updated prescription may alleviate the halo effect.

2. Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups are essential, especially with your high myopia. An eye care professional can monitor for any changes in your eye health, including the development of cataracts or other conditions.

3. Manage Dry Eyes: If you are experiencing dry eyes, consider using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to maintain moisture. Additionally, take regular breaks from the computer (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce strain.

4. Proper Lighting: When using a computer or working in low-light conditions, ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare and strain on your eyes.

5. Consider Contact Lenses: If you are comfortable with them, contact lenses may provide a different visual experience than glasses, potentially reducing the halo effect.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are beneficial for eye health. Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep can also help reduce eye strain.


Conclusion
Halo vision can be a benign symptom, especially if related to refractive errors or digital eye strain. However, given your high degree of myopia and the recent onset of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can determine if your current prescription is adequate or if there are other underlying issues that need to be addressed. Regular monitoring and proactive management of your eye health will help ensure that you maintain good vision and comfort in your daily activities.

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