Updated on June 11, 2024
Our Readers Asked About: Glare and Halos Around Lights After LASIK
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Reader Question: I notice glare and halos around lights at night after getting LASIK. Will this improve over time, or could it be a permanent side effect?
Don’t worry, glare and halos aren’t permanent. It’s normal to experience some visual disturbances immediately after LASIK.
These effects are typically most noticeable at night or in low-light conditions when your pupils are dilated. It happens because your eyes are still healing from the procedure.
It’ll take time for your eyes to adjust to the shape of your cornea. Fortunately, glares, halos, and other visual disturbances should subside after a few weeks or months.
What factors affect LASIK healing?
It’s important to understand that the healing process varies from person to person. Some people may experience side effects longer than others.
Factors that affect the healing process include:
- Your pre-operative vision
- The thickness of your cornea
- The complexity of the procedure
- Pre-existing conditions
- Your body’s healing rate
If you’re concerned about the persistence of your symptoms, schedule a follow-up appointment with your eye surgeon. They can determine if your eyes are healing properly or if there’s an underlying issue causing visual disturbances.
What can you do to manage glares and halos?
If you want to manage glares and halos, try wearing sunglasses or a brimmed hat during the day to minimize light sensitivity. On the other hand, eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and reduce irritation.
If these visual disturbances significantly affect your vision, avoid driving at night. Most importantly, attend follow-up appointments and contact your eye doctor for concerns or questions.
About Our Contributors
Mara Sugue, with a B.A. in Social Sciences, is a dedicated web content writer for Vision Center. She is committed to making eye health research accessible and understandable to people from diverse backgrounds and educational levels. Her writing aims to bridge the gap between complex vision health topics and readers' needs for clear, factual information.
Dr. Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer with a passion for educating people about eye health. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and writing skills, Dr. Huang seeks to guide individuals towards healthier and happier lives. Her interests extend to Eastern medicine and integrative healthcare approaches. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new skincare products, experimenting with food recipes, and spending time with her adopted cats.