Why do I see starbursts around lights at night?

With winter approaching more and more people are finding themselves driving or working after-dark or in low-light conditions. One common question that these conditions often prompt, especially around the holiday season when Christmas lights begin to become more common, is "why do I see starbursts around lights at night?"

Causes of Seeing Starbursts Around Lights

Many people see halos or starbursts around lights at night, and this can have a major impact on your ability to see in the dark. This can be especially problematic while driving, particularly around the holiday season where light displays can become very distracting or disorienting while you're behind the wheel.
In most cases, high-order aberrations (HOAs) are to blame for seeing halos or starbursts around light.

These can be caused by any number of specific eye conditions, including (but not limited to):

•    dry eye
•    cataracts
•    astigmatism
•    near/farsightedness

Some people with HOA also find that they experience blurry or cloudy vision. In most cases, people who experience this do not need any kind of serious treatment aside from a new vision prescription or even eye drops to treat dry eye. Our vision care team have access to the latest equipment and treatments which can help to improve the focus of light entering your eyes so that you don't see the halo or starburst affect. They will be able to work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your vision to give you clear, precise sight whether you’re behind the wheel at night or during the day.

If you're seeing halos of starbursts around lights at night and it's begun to affect your ability to drive safely (or has affected other aspects of your life), then it's time to be evaluated and diagnosed by an eye and vision specialist. Most causes are easily treatable and often early diagnosis means an easier and cheaper solution.

Lavenburg Medical Group is here to assist you with your vision problems and night driving challenges associated with starbursts and halos around light. If you're experiencing any issues with halos, starbursts or other vision problems call us today and let our team help you.