If you’ve recently undergone cataract surgery, you may have noticed halos around lights, especially at night. This can be a concerning and uncomfortable experience, but it’s important to understand what causes these halos and what you can do about them.
What Causes Halos Around Lights After Cataract Surgery?
Halos around lights are a common side effect of cataract surgery. They are caused by the way that light is refracted through the eye after the natural lens has been replaced with an artificial one. The artificial lens may have a different shape or position than the natural lens, which can cause light to scatter and create halos.
Other factors that can contribute to halos around lights after cataract surgery include the size and placement of the incision, the type of intraocular lens that was used, and the presence of any pre-existing eye conditions.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Halos?
If you’re experiencing halos around lights after cataract surgery, there are several steps you can take to reduce their severity:
- Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim to reduce glare from bright lights.
- Avoid driving at night or in inclement weather until your vision has fully stabilized.
- Use artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness, which can exacerbate halos.
- Discuss any concerns you have with your ophthalmologist, who may be able to adjust the position or type of intraocular lens to improve your vision.
FAQ
What should I do if I’m experiencing severe halos around lights?
If you’re experiencing severe halos that are interfering with your daily activities, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. They may want to perform additional tests or adjust your treatment plan to address the issue.
Do halos around lights after cataract surgery ever go away?
In most cases, halos around lights will gradually improve over the first few weeks or months after cataract surgery as your eyes adjust to the new intraocular lens. However, some patients may experience persistent halos that require additional treatment or management.
Can anything be done to prevent halos from occurring after cataract surgery?
While it’s not always possible to completely prevent halos from occurring after cataract surgery, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Choose an experienced and skilled ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery.
- Discuss your concerns and preferences with your ophthalmologist before surgery to ensure that the best possible intraocular lens is selected.
- Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided by your ophthalmologist to ensure optimal healing and vision outcomes.
Pros
While halos around lights can be a frustrating side effect of cataract surgery, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of patients experience significant improvements in their vision after the procedure. In fact, cataract surgery is one of the most successful and commonly performed surgeries in the world, with a success rate of more than 95%.
Tips
If you’re experiencing halos around lights after cataract surgery, it’s important to be patient and take steps to manage your symptoms. Remember that it may take time for your eyes to fully adjust to the new intraocular lens, and that there are many effective strategies for reducing the severity of halos.
Summary
Halos around lights are a common side effect of cataract surgery, caused by the way that light is refracted through the eye after the natural lens has been replaced with an artificial one. While halos can be uncomfortable and concerning, there are many strategies for managing them and improving your vision after cataract surgery.
