Halos & Glare
What are halos & glare?
Halos are bright rings or circles that appear around light sources, such as streetlights or car headlights. Glare refers to intense light that can cause discomfort or make it difficult to see clearly. These visual disturbances often become more noticeable at night or in dim environments.
Common causes of halos & glare
Pupil size and the clarity of the cornea or lens also influence how light is perceived. Larger pupils tend to be more susceptible to experiencing these symptoms, especially in low-light settings.
- Glaucoma (especially angle-closure type)
- Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
- Dry eye syndrome
- Corneal diseases such as keratoconus or Fuchs' dystrophy
- Posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery
- Migraine episodes
- Eye surgeries including LASIK or lens implant surgery
- Incorrect or outdated spectacle or contact lens prescriptions
When to seek urgent medical attention?
Sudden onset of halos, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as headache, nausea, eye pain, or blurred vision, may indicate angle-closure glaucoma. This is a serious condition that requires immediate care to prevent permanent vision loss.
If you are experiencing such symptoms, please seek emergency eye care without delay.
How halos & glare are diagnosed?
These tests help to detect any abnormalities in the cornea, lens, or retina that may contribute to your symptoms.
Visual acuity testing
Refraction assessment
Slit-lamp examination
Corneal topography
Wavefront aberrometry
Optical coherence tomography (OCT), where necessary
How halos & glare are diagnosed?
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the halos and glare. Possible approaches include:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses for refractive correction
- Anti-glare lens coatings for better comfort under bright lights
- Lubricating drops or dry eye therapy for ocular surface issues
- Cataract surgery when clouding of the lens is involved
- Corneal procedures such as cross-linking for keratoconus
- Laser treatment for posterior capsular opacification
- Monitoring for post-surgical side effects, especially after LASIK
Your eye specialist will create a customised treatment plan tailored to your condition and lifestyle needs.
Preventing halos & glare
Early intervention and consistent eye care can significantly reduce visual discomfort and improve quality of life.
Protect your eyes
from UV exposure by wearing sunglasses
Maintain optimal blood sugar levels
especially if you have diabetes
Avoid smoking
limit alcohol consumption
Use protective eyewear
when swimming to reduce chlorine exposure
Follow a diet rich
in eye-supporting nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and lutein
Stay hydrated and get regular eye checks
particularly after the age of 40
Preventing halos & glare
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In Singapore, our bright urban environment, long working hours, and frequent digital screen use may increase sensitivity to light-related symptoms. Halos and glare are often first noticed during night driving or outdoor activities.