Halos around lights represent a visual disturbance characterized by flares or circles of light around objects. The light sources, especially at night, can accentuate the phenomenon. The symptom is in the form of a glare impairs the vision (similar to the diffused light from the headlights in the night). The disorder can be connected with headache attacks and migraine, cataract and eye conditions such as retinopathies and glaucoma.
What kind of diseases can be associated with halos and glare?
The following diseases may be associated with the presence of halos:
- Cataract
- Headache
- Migraine
- Glaucoma
- Optic neuritis
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Retinoblastoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for halos and glare?
The presence of halos always requires the opinion of a specialist ophthalmologist. In intractable cases, linked to attacks of headache and migraine, it can be useful to protect your eyes from excessive light with sunglasses or you can try staying in low-lit environment. If the disorder were caused by the presence of a cataract, a surgery would be necessary to remove the defective lens.
All other causes must be followed promptly by a doctor, because the symptoms may associated with a disease that can gradually lead to vision loss.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of visual halos?
When the disorder is not connected to a recurrent condition (like a headache and a migraine), but appears suddenly and lasts for more than two or three days, a doctor or an ophthalmologist has to be contacted so that the origin is explored.
