Blurred Streetlights Indicated as Halo Vision Phenomenon
**Common Causes and Treatment of Halos in Vision**
Halos in vision, characterized by the appearance of bright circles around lights, can be a distressing experience for many individuals. This article explores the various factors that contribute to halos in vision, along with potential treatments and management options.
One of the most common causes of halos is **cataracts**. As the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, it scatters light, resulting in symptoms such as halos, glare, blurry or hazy vision, and increased sensitivity to light, particularly at night. While early stages of cataracts may be managed with stronger prescription glasses, anti-glare coatings, or better lighting, cataract surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy lens, is the primary treatment.
**Refractive errors**, such as astigmatism, can also lead to halos. These conditions cause uneven focusing of light on the retina, resulting in halos and streaks around lights, particularly noticeable in low-light conditions. Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK) can help reduce halos and glare symptoms.
Although not the most common cause, certain forms of **glaucoma** can cause visual disturbances, including halos. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased intraocular pressure. Control of intraocular pressure through medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help prevent optic nerve damage and alleviate symptoms.
Other factors that may contribute to halos in vision include **night myopia**, where the misshapen cornea caused by nearsightedness can cause halos on evening rides, and **chronic dry eye**. In both cases, treating the underlying condition can help reduce halos and other visual disturbances.
It is essential to have an eye specialist evaluate persistent halos, as they may indicate progressive eye conditions requiring timely treatment to preserve vision and reduce discomfort. The Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that everyone over age 40 should get an annual eye exam to ensure vision is up to par and to screen for certain eye conditions.
If you're experiencing any eye pain or significant changes in your vision, it's important to schedule an appointment with an eye care provider. Ignoring eye issues can be dangerous, and early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes, particularly in cases of cataracts and glaucoma.
Lastly, it's worth noting that laser eye surgery procedures like PRK and LASIK can cause new visual disturbances, particularly with night driving. In some cases, conditions such as **Keratoconus**, where the cornea becomes more cone-shaped over time, causing a lot of irregular astigmatism and a more obvious halo effect, may develop after these procedures.
Halos in vision, particularly while driving at night, can be disconcerting. However, understanding the potential causes and seeking timely treatment can help alleviate this issue and ensure good eye health.
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