Glare and Halos

Landscape image with a harsh glare.

Glare and halos are both eye symptoms that some people experience around bright lights. Halos show up as bright circles around a light source. Glare is light that interferes with your vision, making it difficult to see or sometimes making your eyes water.

These symptoms can show up at any time of the day. Halos often appear at night when the area around the lights is dim or dark, such as while driving at night.

Several conditions can cause glare and halos, such as aging or certain types of eye surgery. Treatment may involve taking care of the underlying cause. Other times, you may need to avoid driving at night if the glare and halos interfere with your driving.

Causes of Glare and Halos

Several things can cause glare and halos, including:

  • Cataracts
  • Refractive surgery, such as LASIK
  • Aging
  • Common eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism
  • Pupil dilation during an eye exam
  • Artificial lens implants used to treat cataracts (intraocular lenses, or IOLs)

When your eyes are heavily dilated during an eye exam, the light passes through the outer edge of the lens. This allows the light to bend (refract) differently as it passes through. This can cause glare.

If you have had LASIK or another kind of refractive surgery, you may experience glare or halos around light for several months after the procedure.

Treatment for Glare and Halos

Before deciding on a treatment, your eye doctor will perform an eye exam to determine what’s causing the glare and halos. Possible treatments include:

  • Watching and waiting to see if the glare and halos clear up on their own, such as after LASIK surgery
  • Medicated eye drops
  • Treatment for cataracts
  • Wearing sunglasses during the day to reduce glare
  • Using the visor on your car to keep direct sunlight out of your eyes
  • Correcting your vision with glasses or contact lenses

If you notice pesky glare or halos, contact our office today. We can diagnose your condition and suggest appropriate treatment options.

Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Central Avenue Office

Monday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Arrowhead Road Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

See What Our Patients Say!

  • "Theobald is an amazing Eye Care Clinic. The Doctors are so knowledgeable and professional. They are also fun to talk to. I absolutely love Dr. Teresa. She has been my primary eye doctor for several years. I couldn’t be happier with the clinic or their staff. Everyone there is friendly and easy to work with. The eye glass selection is great too."
    Jessica P.
  • "Just wanted to shout out to Theobald Eye Clinic-what an awesome staff you have at the Arrowhead office. My dad brought my uncle, Warren, in to get his prescription for his glasses filled this afternoon. Everything was easy and quick. Everyone is amazing. Love this staff. Very caring and kind."
    Shellie G.
  • "I've really never had a detailed discussion of my eyes before this visit. I was amazed and answered many questions i have had. I felt very comfortable and I'm confident I've found a doc who can be part of my health plan going forward. I had lots of help choosing some cool reading glasses as well!"
    Paul S.
  • "We LOVE Dr. Theobald and all the office staff. We have been going here for 6 years. You can tell they truly care about you."
    Anne M.
  • "I hate picking out glasses and I was so relieved when the staff here made it so easy! They really know how to help you pick glasses that are the right shape for your face so you always look your best. They are not only knowledgeable but have a great selection of glasses to pick from! I could not be happier with the pair they helped me pick out and it was a relief to feel confident in my choice after I left! Thank you Theobald family eye care!"
    Mandi J.
  • "Always a great experience for my entire family. Great selection of frames also."
    Steve S.
  • "We have been seeing Dr. Theobald for about 6 years now and they always treat us very good and take good care of our eyes!"
    Sarah W.
  • "Everyone here is EYEmazing! Accommodating, caring, thoughtful, friendly, kind and knowledgeable. A ++ with kids and adults! We will be back for our next check up! 🕶"
    Alana W.
  • "The Dr's and staff are very helpful and professional. My family has been going here for 8+ years and I recommend them to everyone. They also have a great selection of eyewear for any style."
    Heather B.
  • "I was blown away by the professionalism and courtesy of the staff! highly recommend to everyone!! Thank you so much for giving me and my kid's such amazing service! We can't wait to come back again!"
    Mary M.