Are Halos and Glare Normal After Laser Eye Surgery?

Yazar: Op. Dr. Gökay Günay

One of the questions many people considering laser eye surgery have is:

“Will I see rings around lights after surgery?”

or

“Will headlights scatter more at night?”

These effects are commonly described as “halos” or “glare”.

What Are Halos?

Halos are ring-shaped images that may appear around light sources, particularly at night.

Some people may notice them around:

  • Car headlights
  • Streetlights
  • Bright light sources

They may be noticeable around these light sources.

What Is Glare?

Glare can be described as light appearing more uncomfortable than expected or as a sensation of light scatter.

People who drive at night may be particularly aware of this.

Does This Occur in Every Patient?

No.

Not every patient has the same experience.

Eye anatomy, the method used and individual visual sensitivity may all play a role.

Are Halos and Glare Permanent?

Usually, no.

As healing progresses, many people report that these effects become noticeably less pronounced.

As the ocular surface recovers and vision stabilises, symptoms generally become milder.

Can I Drive at Night?

Most patients can return to normal driving after completing the recovery process.

However, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations during the early period.

Conclusion

Some people may experience temporary halos and glare after laser eye surgery.

These effects are often part of the healing process and may diminish over time.

Appropriate patient selection, selection of the right method and realistic expectations are key to successful outcomes.