Night-flare is NOT normal

Many people assume that glare, halos, or starbursts in their vision at nighttime are “normal”. Brushing these issues off as signs that their eyes are just getting tired throughout the day, or that these are simply side effects of ageing. However, if your vision appears fine throughout the day, nighttime flare can indicate underlying issues that should not be ignored.

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Flare at night can be commonly caused by minor prescription adjustments, early lens changes in the eye, dry eye syndrome, or small optical imperfections that often show up most clearly in low light; known as higher order aberrations, these can be seen in corneal conditions such as Keratoconus, post laser surgery side effects and other conditions relating to the cornea or natural lens in side the eye (Rose Optometry invented the Rose K lens and currently is part of EyeSpace Lenses.

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Due to the gradual adaptation of our eyes, it can be hard to notice or even easy to dismiss these changes until they are made more obvious in dim lighting or at  nighttime itself. A good way to think about this is if your vision changes when you put sunglasses on. These dim the light entering the eye and therefore increase the size of the pupil to let more light in. This can lead to reduced vision. The opposite is true for those who have small pupils. This acts like a pinhole camera and is the reason why granddad or someone in the family might say proudly - i've never had to wear glasses and my “vision is great”. By narrowing the pupil we can achieve more focussed rays of light and a perception of improved vision. The cost is a reduction in visual field and why pinhole glasses give good vision.

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Regular eye exams do more than check whether you can read the small letters on a chart. They help detect early changes in your eyes, assess how you process light, and identify conditions that may be impacting your night vision. At Rose Optometry, we use advanced diagnostic technology in every consulting room, including the Medmont Meridia Pro and Vantage Corneal Topographers. We also offer the Heidelberg Anterion - specialised equipment that measures optical aberrations and precisely calculates lenses for patients considering cataract surgery. In fact, we’re proud to be the first optometry practice in New Zealand to provide independent cataract and refractive surgery workups, separate from eye surgeons - offering you comprehensive, innovative care all in one place.

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If streetlights seem hazy, headlights leave trails, or night driving feels more challenging than it used to, it’s worth booking in for a check up. Night flare isn’t normal and therefore isn’t something you just have to live with. Through early detection and tailored care, your eyes can stay comfortable, your vision can stay safe, and you can feel your best.

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Book an eye test now.

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