Vision halos around lights, especially at night, is a common symptom of a number of vision problems – maybe too many problems. The issue is that halos can indicate a huge problem, or not a problem at all, just depending on each individual case.
Either way, if you’re seeing persistent vision halos around lights, it’s a good idea to contact a Phoenix optometrist for a checkup. It might be nothing, but it could also be any of the following issues:
1 – Dry Eyes
Simply having dry eyes can cause halos to appear, because the lack of moisture causes your eye to distort slightly. If you suffer from dry eyes, keep some eyedrops around and see if that makes the halos go away.
2 – Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an extremely common vision problem caused by the cornea (the lens in front) being misshapen. Astigmatism is worst at night, with halos and blurry vision being common in low-light conditions, potentially along with eye strain pain or headaches.
Fortunately, astigmatism can be corrected for with lenses, so this is easy to fix with a trip to the eye doctor.
3 – Fuchs’ Dystrophy
Fuchs’ (pronounced “fooks”) dystrophy is an inherited genetic condition which causes the outer layers of a person’s eyes to slowly thicken across the years, affecting their vision over time. Its progressive nature means that the problem typically doesn’t become noticeable until someone is 50+ years old.
When caught early, Fuchs’ dystrophy can be treated therapeutically. In more advanced cases, a corneal transplant may be needed to restore vision.
4 – Cataracts
Vision halos are one of the first and most common early warning signs of cataracts, which happens when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy over time. Like Fuchs’ dystrophy, cataracts are most commonly seen in older people.
Cataracts can be fixed with a simple and easy surgery, but it’s best to catch them early to reduce chances of complications.
5 – Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of fluid within the eye, and if left untreated it’s one of the most common causes of blindness in the world. As the fluid builds up, the shape of the eye distorts, throwing your vision out of focus. Halos are one of the earliest warning signs of developing glaucoma.
So, if you start seeing halos around lights, it might be nothing – but don’t take that chance. Contact Valley Eyecare Center in Phoenix, AZ, for a checkup and testing.
