LASIK surgery has helped millions of people achieve clearer vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses. However, some patients experience temporary side effects like halos and starbursts, particularly in low-light conditions. While these visual disturbances can be frustrating, they are often a normal part of the healing process and tend to improve over time. Understanding why they occur and how to manage them can make your recovery more comfortable.
What Are Halos and Starbursts?
- Halos appear as glowing rings around lights, making them look blurred or diffused.
- Starbursts create a radiating effect around Laser eye surgery bright lights, making them appear exaggerated with streaks extending outward.
These effects are most noticeable at night or in dimly lit environments, which can make activities like driving more difficult.
What Causes Halos and Starbursts After LASIK?
Several factors can contribute to these visual disturbances after LASIK:
- Healing Process – The cornea takes time to heal, and temporary vision fluctuations are common in the first few months.
- Large Pupils – If your pupils are naturally large, they may extend beyond the treated area, causing light to scatter.
- Dry Eyes – LASIK can temporarily reduce tear production, leading to dryness that worsens halos and starbursts.
- Corneal Swelling – Swelling after surgery can affect how light enters the eye, creating visual distortions.
- Residual Refractive Errors – If your vision is slightly under- or over-corrected, it can contribute to these symptoms.
How to Manage Halos and Starbursts
1. Give Your Eyes Time to Heal
For most people, halos and starbursts gradually improve within three to six months as the eyes adjust and vision stabilizes.
2. Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Dry eyes can make these symptoms worse. Use preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes moisturized and reduce visual disturbances.
3. Reduce Night Driving
If possible, limit driving at night during the early stages of recovery. If you must drive, use anti-glare glasses or adjust your headlights to minimize discomfort.
4. Wear Anti-Reflective Glasses
Special lenses with anti-glare or blue-light blocking coatings can help reduce glare and improve night vision.
5. Consider Prescription Eye Drops
Some prescription eye drops can temporarily reduce pupil size, decreasing light scatter and reducing the intensity of halos and starbursts. Consult your doctor before using them.
6. Explore LASIK Enhancements
If halos and starbursts persist beyond six months and significantly impact daily life, your doctor may recommend a LASIK enhancement procedure to refine your vision.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While these symptoms usually fade over time, you should contact your ophthalmologist if:
- The halos and starbursts worsen instead of improving.
- Your vision becomes blurry or distorted.
- You experience eye pain, redness, or extreme light sensitivity.
These could be signs of a complication that requires medical attention.
Halos and starbursts after LASIK are common but typically temporary. With proper eye care, patience, and treatment options like lubricating drops or specialized glasses, most patients notice significant improvement. If these symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, consult your eye doctor for further evaluation and possible solutions.