Are Halos and Light Scatter Permanent with Multifocal Lenses?

One of the questions most frequently asked by patients considering a multifocal lens (premium lens) is:

“Will I see rings around lights at night?”

or

“Will halos and light scatter be permanent?”

This is particularly important for people who drive at night.

The short answer:

In most patients, halos and light scatter diminish over time or become less noticeable. However, whether they disappear completely may vary from person to person.

What Are Halos and Light Scatter?

Some people with multifocal lenses may notice visual effects, particularly at night, such as:

• Halos (rings around headlights)
• Light spreading around streetlights
• Glare
• Light scatter

These visual effects may be noticed.

This is related to the way multifocal lens technology works.

Does This Occur in Every Patient?

No.

Some patients notice these effects very little, while others may experience them more prominently during the early period after surgery.

The degree of halos and light scatter may vary depending on:

• The person’s visual sensitivity
• Eye anatomy
• Lens type
• Night-driving habits

These factors may influence the experience.

Are Halos and Light Scatter Permanent?

In most cases, no.

For many patients, these effects are more noticeable during the first few weeks or months and diminish over time.

One of the main reasons for this is the brain adapting to the new visual system.

This process is called neuroadaptation.

What Is Neuroadaptation?

Neuroadaptation is the process by which the brain adjusts to the new visual system created by multifocal lenses.

As the eye heals after surgery, the brain also works to adapt to the new way of seeing.

For this reason, many patients report that:

• They notice more halos during the first few weeks
• They notice the same effects less after a few months
• In some cases, they eventually stop paying attention to them altogether

These experiences may be reported.

How Long Does Neuroadaptation Take?

The duration may vary from person to person.

Some people adapt within a few weeks, while for others the process may take several months.

In multifocal lens surgery, the first 3–6 months are generally considered part of the adaptation period.

Is This Important for People Who Drive at Night?

Yes.

This should be considered particularly carefully for people who frequently drive at night because of their occupation.

Therefore, when choosing a lens, the decision should consider not only the desire to reduce dependence on glasses, but also:

• Occupation
• Daily lifestyle
• Night-driving habits
• Visual expectations

These factors should also be taken into account.

Does Seeing Halos Mean the Lens Has Failed?

No.

Seeing halos during the early period does not, by itself, indicate an unsuccessful outcome.

This may occur in many patients with multifocal lenses and is often part of the adaptation process.

What matters is that the patient’s expectations have been assessed appropriately before surgery.

Is Every Patient Suitable for a Multifocal Lens?

No.

Some people may be highly satisfied with multifocal lenses, while others may be more sensitive to differences in quality of vision.

For this reason, appropriate patient selection is just as important as selecting the right lens.

Sometimes a monofocal or EDOF lens may be a more suitable option for a person’s lifestyle.

Conclusion

Halos and light scatter may occur with multifocal lenses. In most patients, however, these effects diminish over time or become less noticeable as the brain adapts.

This process is called neuroadaptation and may vary from person to person.

Lens selection should consider not only independence from glasses, but also lifestyle, night-vision expectations and individual visual sensitivity.