How Long Do Halos Last After ICL Surgery?

If you’ve just undergone ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery or are considering it, you might have heard about a common side effect called “halos.”

The good news? For most people, halos are temporary and tend to fade significantly within a few weeks to months after the procedure.

But why do halos appear, how long do they last, and should you be concerned?

This blog will answer all of these questions and more, step by step, in an easy-to-understand and friendly way.

We’ll also include insights from experienced ophthalmologists to give you a better understanding of why halos occur and how you can ease through this recovery phase.

In this article

What Are Halos and Why Do They Occur After ICL Surgery?

Halos refer to the glowing or circular rings you might see around lights, especially at night.

This is typically most noticeable with headlights, streetlights, or other bright light sources in a dark environment. After ICL surgery,halos are a normal part of recovery.

⇒Why Do They Happen?
When your eyes are adjusting to the new lens implanted during the procedure, the way light enters your eye shifts slightly.

Essentially, minor swelling in the cornea or how light interacts with the collamer lens itself can make light scatter, resulting in the halo effect.

Rest assured, this is a natural part of the healing process and not a signal of anything wrong with your surgery.

Imagine this as your eyes “learning” how to see through the new lens.

This adjustment phase might take a bit of time, but it’s an essential step on your way to clear, improved vision.

(Put Real times images and shorts of Dr Avdaith Sai Consulting, Operating on Patients)

How Long Do Halos Last?

For the majority of patients, halos decrease significantly just a few weeks after surgery. Typically, they improve as follows:

• First Week Post-Surgery: Halos may seem most prominent during this period. Your cornea is still in the early stages of healing, and your brain is gradually adapting to the new way your eye processes light.
• Four to Six Weeks: By this time, many people notice a considerable reduction in halos. The swelling in the cornea and any post-surgical inflammation go down, which also reduces light scatter.
• Three to Six Months: For most, halos have either disappeared or become so mild that they’re no longer bothersome. About 90-95% of patients report dramatic improvements within this window.

⇒Rare Long-Term Cases

While rare, some individuals may experience halos for longer periods. This is sometimes due to factors like pre-existing eye conditions or unique anatomy. If halos persist beyond six months, consult your eye surgeon. Often, minor tweaks (like adjusting vision correction with glasses or even an enhancement surgery) can resolve the issue.

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Halos after ICL surgery are almost always harmless. They’re just one of those temporary quirks that come with adapting to new lenses. However, there are certain red flags you should keep an eye out for:

• Severe pain or a sudden worsening of halos
• Halos accompanied by light sensitivity, headaches, or loss of vision
• If halos persist unchanged for more than six months

Should you notice any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor immediately. They’ll perform a thorough check-up to rule out any complications, such as lens misalignment or increased eye pressure.

How Long Does It Take to Achieve 20/20 Vision with ICL?

One of the greatest advantages of ICL surgery is how quickly you can see results.

Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision right after the procedure, though it may take a few days for your vision to stabilise.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Within 24 Hours: Many patients report significant improvement, with clearer vision right away. This early clarity continues to improve as your eyes adjust.
One to Two Weeks: Vision stabilises for most people, and many achieve their final prescription within this window.
One to Three Months: Any residual blurriness or side effects (like halos) generally fade, leaving you with crisp, clear vision.

To ensure your vision improves as expected, follow these guidelines:

• Use your prescribed eye drops regularly to prevent inflammation.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes or straining them by staring at screens for long periods.
• Attend all post-operative appointments to ensure proper healing.

“Recovery from ICL surgery is a breeze for most patients,” says Dr. Advaith. “A majority of my patients hit 20/20 vision within the first week, but I always remind them to be patient. Every eye heals differently.”

Tips to Manage and Reduce Halos During Recovery

While halos fade naturally over time, there are practical steps you can take to manage them in the meantime:

1. Stick to Your Prescribed Eye Drops
Whether it’s anti-inflammatory or lubricating drops, these medications are vital in reducing swelling and encouraging smoother healing.

2. Use Anti-Reflective Glasses at Night
If driving at night feels challenging due to halos, anti-reflective coating on glasses can minimise glare and make your vision clearer. These glasses work well for anyone until halos subside completely.

3. Avoid Driving at Night (Initially)
During the first few weeks post-surgery, it’s best to avoid driving at night since halos and glare from headlights can potentially make it difficult to see.

4. Stay Patient!
Remember, your brain is incredibly adaptive. It gradually learns to process visual information more efficiently with your new lenses. Trust the process and give it time.

Doctor’s Input:
“One of the best pieces of advice I give my patients is to focus on the bigger picture,” says Dr. Advaith. “You’ll soon notice the incredible benefits of improved vision outweigh the temporary side effects. But patience is key during the healing process.”

Why ICL Surgery Is Worth It Despite Halos?

The idea of seeing halos might seem daunting, but ICL surgery remains a revolutionary solution for those seeking freedom from glasses or contact lenses.

⇒Benefits That Outweigh Temporary Discomfort

• Sharp Vision: Once your eyes adjust, ICL often delivers exceptionally clear, crisp vision that even glasses or contacts can’t match.
• Minimal Maintenance: Unlike LASIK, ICL requires little to no corneal tissue reshaping, making the procedure suitable for those with thin corneas or dry eye.
• Long-Term Solution: Most patients enjoy stable vision for decades without major changes or complications.

Dr. advaith shares a patient success story to wrap things up:

“raj, a 34-year-old who’d worn glasses since the age of 12, came to us for ICL surgery. After his first week, he was concerned about halos. But by his two-month follow-up, they had almost entirely vanished. Today, Raj travels confidently and says he hardly remembers that the halos were an issue in the first place.”

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, halos after ICL surgery are a natural (and temporary) part of the healing process for most patients. While they may seem bothersome at first, they almost always fade within a few weeks to a few months. 

Sticking to your surgeon’s aftercare plan and looking after your eyes are often enough to ensure a smooth recovery.

Remember, every patient heals differently. If you’re feeling unsure or if the halos seem unusually persistent, a quick visit to your ophthalmologist will set things right. 

The short-term adjustment is just a small trade-off for the gift of sharp, glasses-free vision in the long run.

Did this blog answer your questions about halos after ICL surgery? If you’re still curious or have concerns, feel free to schedule a consultation with our experts today. Your vision deserves the best care!