Seeing halos around lights can be a strange and unsettling experience. While it might be tempting to dismiss it as a minor inconvenience, this phenomenon can be an early sign of glaucoma and requires prompt assessment by an eye specialist.
Is Glaucoma a Serious Condition?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if not treated in time. The tricky part? It often progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
While many people with glaucoma don't notice symptoms early on, some signs can indicate the presence of the disease:
- Seeing halos around lights
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Redness in the eye
- Nausea or vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
- Tunnel vision (in advanced stages)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek medical advice without delay.
Halos Around Lights: Why This Happens
Halos around lights are a common visual disturbance associated with glaucoma. This happens due to how light interacts with the eye's internal structures. When the eye's natural drainage system is compromised, fluid builds up, increasing intraocular pressure. This pressure can cause the cornea to swell and distort light as it enters the eye, creating the appearance of halos around lights. The phenomenon can also be caused by changes or opacities in the eye's lens, such as cataracts, which often accompany glaucoma.
The Dangers of Seeing Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos around lights is not just an inconvenience—it can significantly impact your daily life and safety. This symptom can make night driving particularly hazardous, as the glare from headlights and streetlights can obscure your vision, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the underlying causes of halos, such as elevated intraocular pressure, can lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. Therefore, experiencing this symptom should prompt immediate consultation with an eye care professional.
How We Can Help at ReFocus Eye Health
At ReFocus Eye Health, we understand the seriousness of glaucoma and the importance of early intervention. We offer comprehensive services to manage and treat glaucoma, tailored to your needs. Our offerings include:
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
Traditional glaucoma surgery can effectively reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve in advanced cases. These procedures are designed to create new pathways for fluid drainage, helping to alleviate pressure buildup.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS represents a significant advancement in glaucoma treatment, providing a less-invasive option with quicker recovery times and fewer complications. Procedures such as the iStent, XEN Gel Stent, and Trabectome are available, each designed to improve fluid outflow and reduce eye pressure with minimal disruption to the eye’s anatomy.
Comprehensive Consultations
If you’re experiencing symptoms like seeing halos around lights, we offer thorough consultations to assess your eye health and determine the best course of action. Our experienced team will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, discuss your symptoms, and create a personalized treatment plan to protect your vision.
Visit ReFocus Eye Health for Expert Glaucoma Care
Don’t let glaucoma jeopardize your vision and quality of life. Our practice in Bethlehem is committed to providing the highest standard of care with advanced treatment options tailored to your needs. If you're seeing halos around lights or have other concerns about your vision, schedule an appointment with us today. Let our dedicated team help you see clearly and live fully.