Glare

Glare is a visual sensation caused by an excessive amount of light or by light being scattered in the eye. It can occur in different lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight, headlights at night, or from reflections off surfaces like water or snow. Glare can cause discomfort, reduce contrast, and make it difficult to see clearly, especially in low-light conditions or at night. People with certain eye conditions, such as cataracts or corneal irregularities, are more sensitive to glare. It can also be an issue after refractive surgeries like LASIK, where the cornea's smoothness is altered.

• Causes: Glare is often caused by direct exposure to bright light sources, such as the sun, headlights, or reflections. Eye conditions like cataracts, which cause the lens to become cloudy, can increase sensitivity to glare. Refractive surgeries and corneal scars can also lead to more light being scattered in the eye, contributing to glare.
• Symptoms: Glare causes discomfort when exposed to bright lights, making it difficult to see clearly. It can also lead to visual disturbances such as halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night.
• Treatment: Wearing polarized sunglasses can reduce glare in bright outdoor environments. For people experiencing glare due to cataracts, cataract surgery may be necessary to restore clear vision. In cases related to refractive surgery, additional procedures or treatments may help reduce glare symptoms.