Have you ever looked at a streetlight at night and noticed radiant spikes of light extending outwards, almost like a star? You’re not alone! Many people experience this phenomenon. The question “Why Do I See Starbursts Around Lights At Night” is a common one, and the answer lies in how light interacts with our eyes, and sometimes, underlying eye conditions.
Unraveling the Cause of Starbursts
Starbursts, those dazzling rays emanating from light sources, are primarily caused by imperfections or irregularities in the eye’s cornea or lens. These imperfections cause incoming light to scatter or diffract, creating the visual effect of spikes or streaks. Understanding the root cause is important for your eye health. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Astigmatism: This very common refractive error occurs when the cornea is not perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a basketball, it’s shaped more like a football. This irregular shape causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision and, often, starbursts around lights.
- Cataracts: The natural lens inside our eye is normally clear. As we age, this lens can become cloudy, forming a cataract. This clouding scatters light as it passes through the lens, producing halos and starbursts, especially at night.
- Dry Eye: A healthy tear film is essential for smooth, clear vision. Dry eye occurs when the tear film is insufficient or of poor quality. This can lead to temporary irregularities on the surface of the cornea, causing light to scatter and produce starbursts.
Furthermore, recent eye surgery, particularly LASIK or PRK, can temporarily cause starbursts. This is because the surgery reshapes the cornea. These visual disturbances usually diminish as the eye heals, but in some cases, they can persist. Other potential factors include:
- Wearing contact lenses (especially if they are not properly fitted or cleaned).
- Corneal scarring or other corneal diseases.
- Migraines (sometimes accompanied by visual auras that include starbursts).
The severity of starbursts can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may only notice them under specific circumstances, such as when driving at night, while others may experience them more frequently and intensely. In most cases, mild starbursts are harmless and don’t require treatment. However, if starbursts are accompanied by other symptoms, such as blurred vision, eye pain, or sudden changes in vision, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive examination.
If you are experiencing starbursts around lights at night, it’s crucial to understand potential causes and know when to seek professional help. For more information, consult with a qualified eye care professional who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate recommendations. They can assess the health of your eyes and determine the underlying cause of your starbursts.