Night Vision Distortions: When Lights Appear as Fireworks

Q: Night Vision Distortions: When Lights Appear as Fireworks

Hello： Based on your description and the provided simulation, this phenomenon may be related to your refractive error, particularly the 300-degree myopia in your right eye. <br>Without glasses, light may not focus correctly on the retina, causing lights and other highlights to sc

At night, when I don't wear my glasses, the lights appear distorted and form circular shapes made up of many small dots?

Hello, doctor.
I usually wear glasses when I go out at night, but I didn't pay attention and last night I didn't wear my glasses.
I noticed that streetlights and traffic lights appeared as multiple light spots, like fireworks, and even the moon looked like it was made up of many light points.
However, when I put on my glasses, everything appeared normal.
A couple of years ago, when I didn't wear my glasses, I only saw typical astigmatic ghosting, not the fireworks-like multiple bright spots.

Here are the simulated images: [link to first image] and [link to second image].
When I looked at the lights with each eye separately without my glasses, I saw the same multiple light spots like fireworks.
My left eye has -2.00 diopters of myopia, and my right eye has -3.00 diopters.
I have a prescription for glasses with +0.75 for the right eye, and none for the left.
Recently, my eyes have been itchy, and I have rubbed them quite a bit, on and off for several nights.
I'm unsure if this is a normal visual phenomenon related to my myopia and astigmatism at night, or if there is a serious issue with my eyes.
I'm very worried, so I would like to consult with you.
Thank you very much.

Sherry, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description and the provided simulation, this phenomenon may be related to your refractive error, particularly the 300-degree myopia in your right eye.
Without glasses, light may not focus correctly on the retina, causing lights and other highlights to scatter into multiple points, creating a firework-like effect.
Additionally, rubbing your eyes may lead to temporary changes in the shape of the cornea, affecting visual quality.
The process of rubbing your eyes may induce changes in corneal curvature, which in turn affects light focusing.
It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination to confirm if there are any changes in your refractive error or other eye issues.

Reply Date: 2024/02/03

More Info

Understanding night vision distortions, particularly when lights appear as fireworks, can be quite concerning, especially for individuals with existing refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Based on your description, it seems that the phenomenon you are experiencing is likely related to your uncorrected vision rather than a serious underlying eye condition.

When you are not wearing your glasses, your vision becomes blurred due to the refractive errors in your eyes. In your case, you mentioned having myopia of -2.00 in your left eye and -3.00 in your right eye. This means that without corrective lenses, distant objects, such as streetlights and traffic signals, appear out of focus. The light from these sources does not converge properly on your retina, leading to a scattering effect. This scattering can create the illusion of multiple light points or halos around the light source, resembling fireworks. This is particularly pronounced at night when the contrast between the dark surroundings and bright lights is more significant.

Additionally, you mentioned that you have experienced itching and rubbing of your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can temporarily alter the shape of the cornea, which can further affect how light is focused. This could exacerbate the visual distortions you are experiencing. It is essential to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can lead to other complications, such as corneal abrasions or keratoconus in the long term.

The phenomenon you described, where lights appear as multiple points, is not uncommon among individuals with uncorrected refractive errors. It is often referred to as "light scatter" or "halos." In some cases, this can also be influenced by the presence of dry eyes, which can occur if you have been rubbing your eyes frequently. Dryness can lead to a decrease in the quality of your tear film, which is crucial for clear vision, especially in low-light conditions.

To address your concerns, it is advisable to have a comprehensive eye examination with an eye care professional. They can assess your current prescription, check for any changes in your refractive error, and evaluate the overall health of your eyes. If your prescription has changed, updating your glasses will likely resolve the visual distortions you are experiencing.

In summary, the visual distortions you are experiencing at night, where lights appear as fireworks, are likely due to your uncorrected myopia and potential effects from rubbing your eyes. Ensuring that you wear your glasses consistently, particularly in low-light conditions, will help improve your visual clarity. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking professional advice is crucial to rule out any other underlying issues. Remember, maintaining good eye health is essential, and regular check-ups can help catch any potential problems early.

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