Halos Around Lights

Symptoms of halos around lights 

The main symptom is seeing a halo around light sources, but this can be accompanied by other symptoms, which may indicate an underlying condition. 

• Rainbow vision in one eye. Seeing a rainbow around lights can be a symptom of acute glaucoma, which requires immediate medical attention. 

• Blurry vision. If halos are accompanied by blurry vision, it could be a sign of cataracts or astigmatism. Learn more about blurry vision.

• Eye pain. Sudden eye pain along with halos can be a symptom of acute glaucoma. Learn more about eye pain.

• Double vision. If you are experiencing double vision as well as halos, this could be a symptom of cataracts. Learn more about double vision.

Halos vs. Starbursts Vision simulation

It can be tricky to tell the difference between halos and starbursts, as both are visual distortions of light. Halos appear as circles of light around a light source. Eye starbursts, on the other hand, are when the light source appears to have rays of light coming out from it, like a star. Both can be symptoms of similar eye conditions.

What causes halos around lights? 

Seeing halos is caused by the diffraction of light entering your eye. This can be a normal response to bright lights, but it can also be caused by a number of conditions that affect how light is focused by the eye. Wearing glasses or contact lenses can also cause halos.

Who’s more likely to get it? 

People with certain eye conditions are more likely to experience halo eyesight. 

This includes those with:

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Astigmatism

• It is also more common in older adults, as conditions like cataracts become more prevalent with age.

How are halos around lights treated? 

Treatment for light halos depends on the underlying cause. If the halos are caused by a refractive error like astigmatism, new glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed. If a condition like cataracts is the cause, surgery to remove the cataract may be recommended.

When halos need medical help

While seeing halos around lights is not always a cause for concern, you should see an optometrist if they appear suddenly, are accompanied by pain or blurred vision, or if you are worried about them.

• Laser treatment. If the cause is acute angle‑closure glaucoma, treatment may involve a laser procedure called laser iridotomy. This creates a small opening in the iris to help fluid drain and reduce pressure in the eye.

• Surgery. For conditions like cataracts, surgery to replace the cloudy lens is a common and effective treatment.

• Corrective lenses. For astigmatism, halos around lights, corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help to focus light correctly and reduce the appearance of halos.