Side Effects: Halos and starbursts after Laser Eye Surgery
Night glare is one of the most common side effects of Laser Eye Surgery with all patients experiencing symptoms to some extent. But what causes vision disturbances such as halos and starbursts? And can they be treated? In this article, we answer all you need to know about night vision disturbances after Laser Eye Surgery.
Over the last few decades, Laser Eye Surgery has become the most popular elective procedure in the world. Ongoing developments have helped to make Laser Eye Surgery less invasive and an option for more people than ever before – even patients with presbyopia (ageing eyes) and very high prescriptions.
Moreover, Laser Eye Surgery continues to be considered among the safest surgical procedures. Serious side effects and complications are extremely rare, and many can be corrected immediately. But what about the side effects associated with Laser Eye Surgery?
It is important to be aware of the potential side effects when considering any surgical or medical procedure. When it comes to Laser Eye Surgery, one of the most common side effects is the appearance of halos and starbursts.
What are Halos and Starbursts
Halos and starbursts are types of visual distortions that appear around light sources, particularly in low-light conditions. Halos appear as rings around the light source while starburst refers to glare. Collectively, these occurrences may also be referred to as “night glare”.
What Causes Night Glare?
Night glare symptoms, such as halos and starbursts, occur as a result of swelling in the eye. Following Laser Eye Surgery, the eyes’ inflammatory response is triggered as a way to aid in the healing process. While this might sound alarming, it is important to remember that this is a natural process that actually accelerates the eyes’ recovery.
This swelling can cause changes in the way you perceive and view light for a period of time after your treatment.
In the video below, expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Mr Glenn Carp, explains the effects of night glare after Laser Eye Surgery…
Laser Eye Surgery works by removing tissue from the corneal bed. This changes the shape of the cornea, allowing light to be directed into the eye more effectively. Accessing the corneal bed can be done in a number of ways, such as the complete removal of a portion of the corneal epithelium (as seen in PRK/LASEK), the creation of a corneal flap (as done in LASIK), or through a “keyhole” incision (as used in ReLEx SMILE).
Each of these methods involves a varying level of invasiveness. Nonetheless, all will trigger the eye’s natural inflammatory response. The severity and longevity of halos and starbursts can vary significantly between patients; however, there is no way to completely prevent their development in the days and weeks after surgery.
Factors that can affect the severity of halos and starbursts following Laser Eye Surgery include:
- Remaining error following treatment: In a small number of cases, a little short- or long-sightedness can remain after treatment – this can usually be addressed with an enhancement procedure.
- Pupil size: Our pupils dilate in low light conditions to allow more light to enter the eye. In some cases, the pupils may dilate beyond the area of the cornea that has been treated. In these circumstances, you may be more likely to experience more severe night glare.
- Off-centre treatment: A rare occurrence that occurs when laser treatment is off-centre during the procedure (also known as off-centre ablation).
Preventing Halos and Starbursts
Most patients should expect to experience halos and starbursts to some extent following their Laser Eye Surgery treatment; however, a thorough screening process can help to minimise the severity of these symptoms. The consultation process is arguably the most important stage in the Laser Eye Surgery process.
A rigorous screening process can help to identify any factors that may increase your risk of halos, starbursts, and any other Laser Eye Surgery side effects. This allows your surgeon to plan your bespoke treatment accordingly to ensure the best chance of achieving higher-quality vision with fewer side effects.
Choosing a clinic with access to the most up-to-date Laser Eye surgery technology can also help to minimise the severity of post-surgery night glare. For example, Wavefront technology – which comes as standard in our LASIK treatment – may significantly reduce the risk of glare, halos, and night vision difficulties.
Managing Night Glare After Laser Eye Surgery
While the occurrence of halos and starbursts can be inconvenient, for most patients, they only last for a few weeks to months, typically until the swelling in the eyes has gone down. Therefore, intervention is usually not needed. However, for some, night glare can become a serious issue – particularly for people who may work in conditions with bright artificial lighting.
If you have already had treatment and are experiencing halos and starbursts at night related to your pupil size – don’t fret. Some techniques can help to reduce the disturbance caused by night glare.
Some people find that medicated eye drops, which prevent the pupils from fully dilating, can be helpful. For those who have trouble driving at night, simply keeping the overhead light on inside the car can stop the pupils from dilating so much. This can minimise the intensity of glare from outside light sources. Some patients may be advised to wear glasses to minimise the effects of night glare during their recovery.
If you would like to learn more about the side effects of Laser Eye Surgery or find out if you are eligible for treatment, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, Book a Consultation today.
