See halos/glares around lights? Here’s what to know

Halos around lights overview

Seeing bright circles or rings around a light source, like a headlight, is often referred to as "halos". Halos around lights are most often noticed at nighttime or when you're in a dimly lit room. While it can be a normal response of the eye to bright lights, it can also be a symptom of an underlying eye condition. It is important to get your eyes tested if you are experiencing halos to rule out any serious issues.

1 of 4
Cornea
The transparent outer layer at the front of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It bends light, and its shape is crucial for focusing. Irregularities in the cornea's shape, such as with astigmatism or keratoconus, can cause light to scatter and create halos.
2 of 4
Lens
Located behind the cornea, the lens focuses light onto the retina. If the lens becomes cloudy, as it does with cataracts, the light is scattered, which can cause you to see halos.
3 of 4
Retina
The light‑sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eyeball. It converts light into neural signals, which are sent to the brain for visual recognition.
4 of 4
Pupil
The opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye. In low light conditions, the pupil dilates (gets larger) to let in more light, which can make halos more noticeable.

What are halos around lights?

Halos are bright circles that appear to surround a source of light, like streetlights or headlights. They are the result of light diffraction, which is the bending of light as it enters your eye. While sometimes a normal phenomenon, seeing halos can also be a sign of a number of eye conditions. People with myopia (short‑sightedness), for example, may experience halos. It is also a common symptom of astigmatism, where an irregularly shaped cornea causes light to bend incorrectly.

Halos vs. Starbursts

It can be tricky to tell the difference between halos and starbursts, as both are visual distortions of light. Halos appear as circles of light around a light source. Eye starbursts, on the other hand, are when the light source appears to have rays of light coming out from it, like a star. Both can be symptoms of similar eye conditions.

Book an eye test

Symptoms of halos around lights

The main symptom is seeing a halo around light sources, but this can be accompanied by other symptoms, which may indicate an underlying condition.

Rainbow vision in one eye

Seeing a rainbow around lights can be a symptom of acute glaucoma, which requires immediate medical attention.
Learn more about glaucoma

Blurry vision

If halos are accompanied by blurry vision, it could be a sign of cataracts or astigmatism.
Learn more about blurry vision

Eye pain

Sudden eye pain along with halos can be a symptom of acute glaucoma.
Learn more about eye pain

Double vision

If you are experiencing double vision as well as halos, this could be a symptom of cataracts.
Learn more about double vision

What causes halos around lights?

Seeing halos is caused by the diffraction of light entering your eye. This can be a normal response to bright lights, but it can also be caused by a number of conditions that affect how light is focused by the eye. Wearing glasses or contact lenses can also cause halos.

Who’s more likely to get it?

People with certain eye conditions are more likely to experience halo eyesight. This includes those with cataracts, glaucoma, and astigmatism. It is also more common in older adults, as conditions like cataracts become more prevalent with age.

How are halos around lights diagnosed?

An optometrist can diagnose the cause of seeing halos by performing a comprehensive eye exam. They will examine your eyes and may use a slit lamp to get a magnified view of the different structures of your eye. They will also ask about your symptoms and medical history.

Patient history

Your optometrist will ask about your symptoms, any previous eye problems, and your general health to understand the situation.

Visual acuity test

This test will check how well you can see at various distances.

Slit‑lamp examination

This is the main tool for diagnosis. It provides a highly magnified view of your eye, allowing the optometrist to check for conditions like cataracts or issues with the cornea.

Ready to see things clearly?

Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

Book an eye test

How are halos around lights treated?

Treatment for light halos depends on the underlying cause. If the halos are caused by a refractive error like astigmatism, new glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed. If a condition like cataracts is the cause, surgery to remove the cataract may be recommended.

When halos need medical help

While seeing halos around lights is not always a cause for concern, you should see an optometrist if they appear suddenly, are accompanied by pain or blurred vision, or if you are worried about them.

Laser treatment

If the cause is acute angle‑closure glaucoma, treatment may involve a laser procedure called laser iridotomy. This creates a small opening in the iris to help fluid drain and reduce pressure in the eye.

Surgery

For conditions like cataracts, surgery to replace the cloudy lens is a common and effective treatment.

Corrective lenses

For astigmatism halos around lights, corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help to focus light correctly and reduce the appearance of halos.

Preventing halos around lights

While not all causes of halos can be prevented, you can take steps to protect your eyes and reduce your risk of developing certain conditions. This includes wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation, eating a healthy diet, and having regular eye exams.

Common Halos Around Lights Questions

Did you know?

Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare, so there are no out‑of‑pocket expenses for you*.

Book an appointment See more eye conditions

Written with care and checked for accuracy

Acyel Al‑Alosi

M. Clinical Optom

Acyel Al‑Alosi has worked for Specsavers since 2016. She graduated in 2018 from University of New South Wales with a Masters of Clinical Optometry. Since 2018, she has practiced on the South Coast of NSW where she took an interest in paediatrics, dry eye and Indigenous outreach.

She has mentored multiple young optometrist and has a keen interest in the development of early‑career optometrists. Currently, she is the Clinical Performance Consultant for NSW/ACT where she supports and coaches optometrists and partners to obtain improved patient outcomes.

Could it be something else?

Find out more

Why do I need an eye test?
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Check your vision
Your store visit explained
At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.
What to expect in‑store
More on eye tests
An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
All about eye tests

Halos around lights

Halos around lights overview

How your eye's surface works

Cornea

Lens

Retina

Pupil