Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it typically progresses without pain or obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. However, one of the few visual warning signs that a patient might notice is the appearance of halos or "rainbow-colored rings" around lights, especially at night. At Lowcountry Eye Specialists, we utilize advanced diagnostic tools to detect these shifts in ocular health before your vision is permanently compromised.
Halos occur when light is scattered as it enters the eye, often due to swelling in the cornea. In the context of glaucoma, this is frequently caused by a sudden or sustained increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). When the fluid in the eye cannot drain properly, the pressure builds, pushing against the optic nerve and affecting the clarity of the cornea.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, while halos can be a side effect of cataracts or certain surgeries, they are a hallmark symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This form of the disease is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent blindness. Even if the halos are faint or intermittent, they serve as a signal that your eye’s drainage system may be struggling.
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors significantly increase your susceptibility. Age is a primary driver, but genetics and ethnicity also play a role. Recent statistics show that nearly 3 million Americans have glaucoma, yet only half are aware of it.
Mayo Clinic identifies key risk factors, including:
The damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, which makes early detection through regular comprehensive exams the only way to "save" your sight. During a glaucoma evaluation at our Ladson practice, we do more than just check your eye pressure; we perform a visual field test and use high-resolution imaging to assess the health of your optic nerve.
Modern treatments, ranging from prescription eye drops to minimally invasive laser procedures, are highly effective at slowing the progression of the disease. Research shared by WebMD confirms that early intervention can preserve vision for a lifetime in the majority of patients. If you have noticed halos around streetlights or are overdue for an eye exam, please call Lowcountry Eye Specialists or visit us online to schedule an appointment.
