Glare and Halos After LASIK

Glare and halos after LASIK are complications that some patients may experience. How these symptoms appear, however, and how long they last can vary from person to person. In general, an inability to look at bright light is how most people experience glare, and halos after LASIK appear as a ring of light around objects, especially at night. Symptoms often improve within a few months.

Are Glare and Halos After LASIK Common?

Glare, halos, starbursts, and difficulty in seeing in dim light are possible complications of
 LASIK eye surgery. Although each patient is different, what he or she generally experiences with glare is an inability to see when looking at bright lights.
 
With halos, a patient may see a ring of light around an object, especially at night. There are many factors that can increase your risk for these complications. In fact, most patients will experience glare or halos at night for the first few weeks to months after surgery. These symptoms tend to get better over time, but can take up to a year to improve.
 
Some patients may find this disabling for night driving. There are eye drops available to help with this. However, these drops do block out light and may not eliminate night vision difficulties in some patients. Discuss the possiblity of glare and halos after LASIK with your doctor prior to surgery to see what your individual risk is. In general, people with larger corrections required and larger pupils are at higher risk for these symptoms.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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