Night Vision and Halos After LASEK: What You Should Know
You may notice something unusual when driving at night after recently having LASEK surgery light halos, glare, or starburst patterns around headlights and street lamps. These visual effects can be surprising and may even feel a bit unsettling at first.
These changes are actually very common in the early stages of recovery after laser eye surgery. Your eyes are still healing, and as they adjust to their new optical shape, temporary distortions in night vision can occur. Although they may seem concerning, they’re typically part of the normal healing process.
Most patients experience gradual improvement as their eyes settle. The cornea needs time to smooth out and stabilize after the procedure, which is why halos or glare tend to fade as healing progresses. Being patient with the process can make the experience much easier to navigate.
In this article, we’ll explain why night vision changes and halos occur after LASEK, how long they usually last, and what you can do to help your vision stabilize comfortably and safely. Let’s walk through what to expect and how to support your recovery.
Understanding Night Vision and the Human Eye
At night or in low-light settings, your eyes depend on rod cells in the retina, which are highly sensitive to light but less precise than the cone cells used for daytime vision. When your pupils naturally dilate in the dark, they let in more light including scattered or unfocused light caused by corneal healing leading to glare or halos.
This is why night vision symptoms are common after laser procedures that reshape the cornea, such as LASEK or LASIK. As the corneal surface gradually smooths and refines during healing, these visual disturbances typically fade, and night vision becomes clearer over time.
Why LASEK Can Cause Halos and Glare
When you undergo LASEK, it’s normal to experience certain visual changes during the early stages of recovery, especially in low-light conditions. These effects often catch people off guard, but they’re actually a natural part of how the cornea heals after the procedure.
During the early weeks of healing, your corneal surface may be slightly irregular as new epithelial cells regenerate. This unevenness scatters incoming light, especially at night, leading to:
Halos: Rings of light appear around bright sources when healing causes scattered or unfocused light to enter the eye.
Glare: Bright lights look more intense or create flare effects due to increased light sensitivity during corneal recovery.
Starbursts: Point light sources can appear to radiate outward as the healing cornea bends light unevenly.
Overall, halos, glare, and starbursts after LASEK are simply the result of temporary surface irregularities as the cornea regenerates. While they can feel disruptive, they’re not a sign of long-term problems and typically fade as healing progresses. Let me know if you’d like me to expand this or adjust the tone.
How Common Are Halos After LASEK?
It’s very common to wonder how often halos or glare occur after LASEK, especially if you’re preparing for the procedure or already in the healing phase. Understanding how frequently these symptoms appear can help you feel more reassured about what’s normal during recovery.
Around 40-50% of patients notice halos or glare during the first few weeks: Nearly half of patients experience early visual disturbances shortly after surgery.
Most report significant improvement within 1–3 months: These symptoms usually fade as the cornea stabilises over the first few months.
Only a small fraction (<5%) experience long-term symptoms: Long-lasting halos or glare are uncommon and affect only a very small percentage of patients.
In most cases, halos after LASEK are a short-term part of healing and tend to fade as the cornea stabilizes. With modern laser technology significantly reducing night-vision disturbances, only a small number of patients experience lasting symptoms. If you’d like, I can also create transitions or expand these into fuller sections.
The Science Behind the Healing Process
Healing after LASEK is a gradual process, and understanding the different phases can help you anticipate changes in your vision. Each stage plays a crucial role in how your eyes adjust and recover, especially in low-light conditions.
After LASEK, your cornea undergoes three key phases of recovery:
Epithelial Regeneration (Days 1–5): The outer layer of the cornea heals and smooths over. During this time, vision may appear hazy or fluctuating, particularly at night.
Neural and Optical Adjustment (Weeks 1–4): The cornea continues to stabilise, and your brain adapts to new visual signals. Night vision often feels most affected in this period as your pupils respond differently in dim light.
Surface Refinement (Months 1–3): Minor irregularities fade as tissue remodels, improving clarity and reducing glare. Most halos disappear entirely once the cornea reaches its final smoothness.
In summary, the recovery after LASEK progresses through epithelial regeneration, neural adjustment, and surface refinement, with night-vision disturbances like halos and glare typically improving at each stage. By the end of the healing process, most patients enjoy clear, stable vision as the cornea fully smooths and adapts.
What Halos Look Like
After LASEK, many patients notice unusual light patterns around bright sources, which can vary in appearance and intensity. Recognizing what these halos and visual effects look like can help you understand why they occur and what to expect during recovery.
Patients often describe post-LASEK halos in different ways:
Soft glow: A subtle, faint halo that forms a gentle circle around lamps or headlights, often noticeable in low-light conditions but usually not very disruptive.
Bright ring: A more distinct and sharply defined ring of light that typically appears in very dark environments, making bright sources stand out unnaturally.
Diffuse glare: Light seems to scatter or spread outward, lowering contrast and making it harder to see objects clearly, especially at night or in dim settings.
Starburst pattern: Light from points such as street lamps or car headlights radiates outward in lines, creating a spiky, star-like effect around bright sources.
These visual effects may become more noticeable in certain situations, such as when you’re tired, your eyes are dry, or when you’re looking at bright lights against dark backgrounds. Each of these factors can temporarily intensify glare, halos, or starbursts, making night driving or low-light conditions feel more challenging until your eyes fully adjust.
Factors That Influence Night Vision After LASEK
Night-vision changes after LASEK can vary widely from person to person. Several factors, from your pupil size to environmental conditions, influence how noticeable halos, glare, or starbursts may be during the healing process.
Every eye heals differently, but several factors affect how strongly you experience halos and how quickly they resolve.
Pupil Size: People with naturally larger pupils may notice more halos at night since more peripheral light enters through healing areas.
Prescription Strength: Higher prescriptions require deeper laser correction, which can temporarily affect the smoothness of the optical zone.
Corneal Healing Speed: Some individuals’ epithelial cells regenerate faster, reducing recovery symptoms sooner.
Dry Eyes: Tear instability increases light scatter. Keeping eyes hydrated significantly reduces night vision disturbances.
Environmental Lighting: Low ambient lighting exaggerates contrast differences, making halos seem more intense.
Overall, the intensity and duration of night-vision effects after LASEK depend on a combination of eye characteristics, healing speed, and external lighting conditions. By understanding these factors and taking steps like managing dryness, most patients can minimize disturbances and enjoy clearer vision sooner.
How Long Do Halos Last After LASEK?
Halos after LASEK are usually a temporary part of the healing process, gradually diminishing as your eyes recover. Knowing the typical timeline can help set realistic expectations and reduce anxiety during the first few months after surgery. In most cases, halos fade substantially within 4–6 weeks and continue improving for up to three months.
First 2 weeks: Halos and glare are very common during this period and are considered a normal part of the healing process.
Weeks 3–6: Most patients begin to notice a significant reduction in halos and visual disturbances as the cornea stabilizes.
Months 2–3: By this stage, nearly all halos have resolved, and night vision typically returns to normal.
For a small number of patients, faint halos may persist slightly longer but rarely interfere with everyday activities. In general, most halos improve significantly within six weeks and nearly disappear by three months. If any visual disturbances persist or worsen, they are often linked to treatable factors such as dry eyes or residual prescription, and can be addressed by your ophthalmologist.
Coping with Halos During the Healing Period
Experiencing halos during LASEK recovery can be unsettling, but there are practical strategies to make this period more comfortable. Simple habits and eye-care routines can help reduce visual disturbances while your eyes heal.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Artificial tears reduce dryness and surface irregularities, improving light clarity. Use preservative-free drops as directed by your surgeon.
Limit Night Driving (Early On): Until your night vision stabilises, it’s best to avoid long drives after dark particularly in the first two weeks.
Increase Ambient Lighting Indoors: Keeping your surroundings softly lit at night reduces contrast and makes halos less noticeable.
Wear Sunglasses During the Day: Bright daylight can temporarily heighten night glare sensitivity. Sunglasses reduce light stress and help your eyes adjust more comfortably.
Follow Your Medication Schedule: Anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops prescribed after Lasek surgery in London clinics support smooth corneal healing and reduce surface scatter.
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Dryness and fatigue can both worsen visual disturbances. Drink plenty of water and take breaks from digital screens.
By using lubricating drops, adjusting lighting, limiting night driving, and following your prescribed care routine, you can effectively manage halos and glare during recovery. These steps support smoother healing and help you regain clearer, more comfortable vision sooner.
Preventing Long-Term Halos
Although halos after LASEK are typically temporary, taking proactive steps can help prevent them from lingering. Simple measures before and after surgery can support smoother healing and clearer vision in the long term.
Choose a Wavefront-Guided Treatment: Wavefront-guided lasers tailor the treatment pattern to your unique corneal shape, reducing optical imperfections that can cause glare.
Manage Dry Eyes Proactively: Use lubricating drops before symptoms start. For chronic dryness, your doctor may recommend tear supplements or punctal plugs.
Attend All Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups allow your surgeon to monitor healing and address any irregularities early.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Light: Ultraviolet exposure can delay corneal recovery and contribute to haze. Wear sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days.
Avoid Eye Irritants: Smoke, dust, or excessive screen exposure can slow surface healing. Keep your environment clean and comfortable.
By choosing a wavefront-guided treatment, managing dryness, attending follow-ups, protecting your eyes from UV light, and avoiding irritants, you can significantly reduce the risk of long-term halos. These strategies help ensure your vision remains sharp and comfortable well beyond the recovery period.
LASEK vs LASIK: Differences in Night Vision Recovery
If you’ve been wondering whether LASEK or LASIK causes more night vision issues, the truth is it depends on how your eyes heal and how much corneal tissue is involved.
With LASEK, the surface layer of your cornea is treated without creating a flap. You might notice a few more halos or glare around lights in the first few weeks, but that usually settles as your eyes heal over one to three months. The benefit? Your corneal nerves and surface recover more naturally, which can mean smoother, clearer vision in the long run and a lower risk of dryness.
With LASIK, a thin flap is made in the cornea before reshaping. Recovery tends to be quicker often just two to four weeks and early night vision can sometimes feel a bit clearer than with LASEK. However, because the flap slightly affects nerve healing, there’s a higher chance of temporary dryness during recovery.
In the long term, both treatments offer excellent clarity at night. But if you want to prioritise natural healing and minimise dryness, you might find LASEK gives you a small edge.
The Role of Wavefront and Topography-Guided LASEK
Modern LASEK techniques, such as wavefront- and topography-guided treatments, have significantly improved visual outcomes and reduced night-vision side effects. These technologies target even tiny corneal imperfections, helping patients achieve clearer, more stable vision after surgery.
Wavefront-Guided LASEK: This technology measures thousands of individual data points on your eye’s optical surface, customising laser pulses to correct even microscopic distortions.
Topography-Guided LASEK: This approach maps corneal curvature precisely, allowing the laser to even out irregularities that might otherwise cause glare or halos.
When to Speak to Your Surgeon
While experiencing mild halos after LASEK is common, it’s important to know when to seek professional advice. Recognising warning signs early helps ensure any treatable issues are addressed promptly.
You should seek prompt medical attention if certain symptoms arise after LASEK surgery. These include halos that worsen rather than improve after two to three months, the onset of double vision, severe glare, or distorted shapes, and night vision that becomes unsafe for driving. Additionally, sudden pain, redness, or the appearance of cloudy spots in your vision are warning signs that require immediate evaluation by your eye care professional.
If halos worsen, vision becomes distorted, or new symptoms appear, contacting your surgeon is essential. Clinics like Eye Clinic London offer advanced assessments and personalised care to address concerns, helping you maintain safe and clear vision throughout your recovery.
Managing Dry Eyes to Improve Night Vision
Dry eyes can significantly worsen night-vision disturbances like halos and glare after LASEK. Maintaining a healthy tear film is essential for clear, comfortable vision, especially in low-light conditions.
To combat dryness:
Use artificial tears at least 4–6 times daily: Regularly applying lubricating eye drops helps keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Blink often, especially during screen use: Frequent blinking prevents eyes from drying out, particularly when focusing on computers or phones.
Avoid air conditioning or heating blowing directly at your face: Direct airflow can accelerate tear evaporation, so keep vents away from your eyes.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support tear production: Incorporating omega-3s, like in fish or flaxseed, can help maintain healthy tear function.
By using artificial tears, protecting your eyes from harsh airflow, blinking regularly, and supporting tear production through diet, you can reduce dryness-related visual effects. Persistent symptoms can be addressed with professional treatments, helping restore smooth vision and improve night-time clarity.
What Long-Term Vision Looks Like After LASEK
Once healing is complete, most patients enjoy sharp, stable vision in all lighting conditions without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Night vision generally becomes crisp and comfortable, even in challenging situations like driving in rain or fog, allowing for greater confidence and safety.
Because LASEK preserves the integrity of the cornea and avoids complications associated with corneal flaps, long-term results tend to remain stable. This means the risk of night vision regression is minimal, giving patients lasting clarity and consistent visual performance.
Patient Experiences: Common Reassurances
Many patients are surprised to learn that halos after LASEK are often less disruptive than expected. Hearing how others experience and adapt to these early visual changes can provide reassurance during recovery.
Here’s what patients typically describe:
“Headlights looked like soft rings at first, but after about a month, they disappeared.”
“My night vision is actually better now than before surgery I used to struggle with glare from glasses.”
“It was a little distracting early on, but my eyes adapted quickly.”
In most cases, halos fade within weeks, and patients often find their night vision improves compared with before surgery. Real-life experiences highlight that these temporary effects are a normal part of healing and usually resolve without long-term impact.
Myth vs Fact: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
There are many myths surrounding night vision after LASEK, which can cause unnecessary worry for patients. Understanding the facts helps separate common misconceptions from what’s actually normal during recovery.
Myth 1: “Halos mean something went wrong.”
It’s easy to worry if you start seeing halos around lights after surgery, but they’re actually a normal part of the healing process. As your cornea smooths and stabilises, these effects gradually fade away.
Myth 2: “LASEK always causes night vision problems.”
That used to be a concern with older techniques, but not anymore. Modern LASEK produces excellent long-term night vision often just as sharp and clear as LASIK once your eyes have fully healed.
Myth 3: “Only LASIK patients see well at night.”
Both LASEK and LASIK can deliver equally sharp night vision once healing is complete. The main difference lies in how quickly that clarity returns, not the final outcome.
Myth 4: “Eye drops don’t help halos.”
Actually, they can make a big difference. Keeping your eyes lubricated helps smooth the optical surface, which reduces glare and makes night driving or bright lights much more comfortable.
By recognising that halos are a normal part of healing, modern LASEK rarely causes lasting night-vision problems, and eye care can improve clarity, patients can feel more confident throughout recovery. Knowing the truth allows you to focus on healing rather than worrying about temporary visual changes.
The Psychology of Adjustment
Your brain also plays a role in how you perceive night vision after LASEK. Early on, you’re more aware of visual changes because you’re looking for them. Over time, neural adaptation helps your brain filter out minor distortions naturally.
This is why even subtle halos often become unnoticeable after a few weeks not just because the cornea heals, but because your visual system adapts seamlessly.
Can Halos Return Later?
Although halos usually fade completely after LASEK, some patients may notice them returning later. Understanding why this can happen helps distinguish normal post-surgery changes from unrelated eye conditions.
Some changes in vision after LASEK are normal and not cause for alarm. You may experience a return of mild dry eye, a minor prescription change over time, or age-related lens changes, such as the early development of cataracts. These are typical age-related or gradual changes and can usually be managed with routine eye care.
Late-onset halos are rare and typically result from factors like dry eyes, prescription changes, or age-related lens changes, rather than the surgery itself. These issues can usually be managed with standard eye care, ensuring ongoing clear and comfortable vision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is it normal to see halos right after LASEK?
Yes,it’s completely normal to notice halos or glare in the first few weeks after LASEK. Your cornea is healing and the surface may be slightly uneven, which scatters light and causes those ring-like effects around headlights or street lamps. As the healing layer smooths out, these halos gradually fade usually within the first month or two. - How long does it usually take for night vision to return to normal?
Most people find that their night vision improves steadily over the first six weeks. By the three-month mark, it typically feels as clear and comfortable as daytime vision. The exact timeline depends on factors like your prescription strength, tear quality, and how quickly your epithelial cells regenerate. - Can I still drive at night after LASEK?
You canbut it’s best to be cautious in the early stages. If halos or glare feel distracting, try to limit night driving during the first couple of weeks. Once your surgeon confirms that your vision has stabilised, you can return to normal driving routines. Keeping your eyes well-lubricated before heading out can also make night lights feel much more comfortable. - Will I have the same night vision quality as before surgery?
Yesand for many people, it’s even better. Before surgery, refractive errors or glasses can create multiple refractions that cause glare. Once your eyes heal completely, LASEK can give you sharper, clearer night vision without the reflection or distortion caused by lenses. - Do some people get halos longer than others?
They do. Everyone heals differently. Some patients notice halos only for a few weeks, while others take up to three months for them to disappear entirely. Larger pupils, higher prescriptions, or naturally drier eyes can make halos linger a bit longer, but they still fade as healing completes. - Can I use eye drops to make halos go away faster?
Yes, lubricating eye drops can make a noticeable difference. They help smooth the surface of yourcornea, which reduces light scatter and glare. Your surgeon will usually recommend preservative-free artificial tears during recovery. Using them regularly especially before bed or screen use helps your vision clear more quickly. - Are halos a sign that my surgerydidn’tgo well?
Not at all. Halos don’t mean anything has gone wrong; they’re a normal part of the healing process. The cornea temporarily refracts light differently while it regenerates, so it’s natural to see some optical effects. If halos ever get worse instead of better after a few months, that’s the time to check in with your ophthalmologist to rule out dryness or haze. - What if I still notice glare after three months?
If halos or glare persist after three months, your surgeon may check for small residual refractive errors, dry eyes, or mild surface haze. These issues are all treatableoften with prescription drops, laser fine-tuning, or hydration therapy. The key is not to ignore symptoms that linger, since early intervention brings faster improvement. - Does using screens affect my night vision after surgery?
Prolonged screen use can make halos seem worse temporarily. Staring at digital devices tends to reduce your blink rate, drying out the eye’s surface and increasing light scatter. You can manage this easily by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eyes time to refresh and re-lubricate. - Will I ever experience halos again in the future?
Once healing is complete, halos rarely come back. However, they can occasionally return years later for reasons unrelated to LASEKsuch as developing dry eyes again, mild prescription changes, or early cataracts. These are natural parts of ageing and can be corrected with routine eye care or updated vision treatment if needed.
Final Thoughts: Clear Nights Ahead
Seeing halos or glare after LASEK can feel unsettling at first, especially when you’re adjusting to life without glasses. But remember these light effects are a completely normal part of healing. As your cornea smooths and your eyes adapt, your night vision becomes sharper, clearer, and more comfortable. If you’re considering LASEK surgery in London, you can reach out to us at Eye Clinic London to discuss whether this treatment is the right choice for your vision goals.
References:
- TaneriS., Huseynova T., Drepper C., Speiser W. (2004) ‘Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK): literature review of technique, indications and outcomes’, Ophthalmology and Therapy, 2(3), pp. 123–136. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15530945/
- KuryanJ., O’Keefe M., et al. (2017) ‘Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) versus LASIK for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism: systematic review and meta-analysis’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5408355/
- l-TobaigyF.M., Al-EneziA., Al-Khalaf F. (2012) ‘Efficacy, predictability and safety of Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy (LASEK) for myopia’, Middle Eastern Journal of Ophthalmology https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3401800/
- YahalomiT., Reuven L., et al. (2023) ‘Dry Eye Disease following LASIK, PRK, and LASEK: a prospective comparative study’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(11):3761. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/11/3761
- Castro-Luna G., et al. (2020) ‘Long Term Follow-Up, Safety and Effectiveness of Surface Ablation Procedures (PRK, MMC-PRK and LASEK) for Myopia: a retrospective study’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(23):8729.https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/23/8729