Driving at night requires sharp vision and quick reflexes. But what happens when those glowing rings around headlights, known as halos, affect your ability to see clearly?
You may see halos from mild issues such as a refractive error, dry eyes, laser surgery, an incorrect prescription, or more serious eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, keratoconus, or photokeratitis.
Halos, especially for older adults, can turn nighttime driving into an unsettling experience. Whether it’s a mild annoyance or a significant impairment, an adult eye exam can help determine the underlying cause.
What Causes Halos at Night?
Halos are circular light patterns you may notice around headlights, streetlights, or other bright lights, especially in the dark. These glowing rings often result from certain eye conditions or irregularities in how light passes through the eye.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing light to scatter and creating a halo effect. Cataracts are especially prevalent in older adults, as they’re a natural part of aging.
Glaucoma
Acute close-angled glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that presents with complications such as seeing rainbow halos or rings around light sources.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the eye has an irregularly shaped cornea (the clear front layer of the eye) or lens (the inner part of the eye responsible for focusing). The irregularity alters how light enters the eye, leading to distorted vision that may include trouble seeing at night and halos.
Corneal Conditions
Diseases or damage to the cornea, such as keratoconus (a thinning of the cornea), infections, or scars, can change how light is refracted and result in those pesky halos.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease can create an uneven tear film, causing light to scatter abnormally and produce halos. Dry eyes are a surprisingly common and underdiagnosed cause of nighttime vision problems.
An Incorrect Prescription
One of the most common causes of halos while driving at night is an incorrect prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. An outdated prescription can cause blurriness and distortion in your vision, leading to the appearance of halos around lights.
Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis is sunburned eyes from too much UV light exposure. Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and halos around lights are symptoms of photokeratitis.
Post-Surgical Effect
Certain eye surgeries, like LASIK or cataract surgery, may temporarily cause halos as the eye heals. In these cases, halos often diminish over time.
Understanding the Impact of Halos on Nighttime Vision
Seeing halos may seem like a minor or temporary inconvenience. However, they can impact your ability to drive safely at night. Here’s how halos can affect nighttime vision.
Reduced Visibility
Halos can create glare, making it difficult to see pedestrians, road signs, or other vehicles. Reduced clarity can increase reaction times, making driving more stressful and less safe.
Sensitivity to Light
Along with halos, some people experience heightened light sensitivity that exaggerates even mild glare. Trying to focus on the road while dealing with dancing rings of light can be distracting and disorienting.
Impact on Mental Confidence
Struggling with nighttime vision can lead to discomfort or even fear of nighttime driving, limiting independence for older adults who rely on driving for errands or social activities.
Solutions & Strategies to Minimize Halos
The good news is that there are ways to address halos, regain your nighttime confidence, and drive safely.
- Cataract surgery: If cataracts cause halos, surgery can remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one, significantly improving vision.
- Corrective lenses: Prescription glasses or contact lenses specifically designed to address astigmatism can help focus light correctly and minimize visual distortions.
- Dry eye therapy: Eye drops or prescription treatments can address dry eyes, smoothing the tear film and reducing halos.
- Advanced treatment for corneal issues: Specialty contact lenses or corneal cross-linking can improve vision and reduce halo formation.
Practical Tips for Safer Night Driving
While addressing underlying causes takes time, these tips can offer immediate relief while driving at night:
- Use anti-glare glasses: Specially coated glasses can reduce glare from headlights and streetlights, making nighttime driving easier and more comfortable.
- Adjust your car’s interior lights: Keep the dashboard lighting dim to avoid light distractions within your vehicle.
- Clean your windshield and headlights: Make sure your windshield and headlights are spotless, as dirt and grime can amplify glare, making halos worse.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance: If halos impair your focus, drive slower and leave extra space for better reaction time.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
If you’re seeing halos while driving at night, don’t ignore it. Routine eye exams aren’t just about renewing your prescription—they’re vital for detecting and managing issues early. For older adults especially, annual comprehensive eye exams can catch and treat problems like cataracts or glaucoma before they significantly impact your quality of life.
Clear Vision, Safer Drives
Halos shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life or staying independent. By understanding what causes light rings and taking steps to address them, you can have a clearer, more confident nighttime driving experience. For vision symptoms that interfere with daily life, book an appointment with Total Vision Chino Hills.
