Are halos and glare around lights normal after cataract surgery?

What's normal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology groups halos, glare, and unwanted images under the term dysphotopsia and notes they occur more frequently at night or in dim lighting. Headlights and streetlights are usually where people notice it first.

For many people this fades. The AAO says it resolves on its own within a few months. Options the AAO mentions include special drops at night and correcting any remaining refractive error with glasses, both of which are decisions for your ophthalmologist, not something to self-treat.

Most noticeable in the first weeks at night, commonly improving over 2 to 4 months.

When it stops being normal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says persistent glare or unwanted images still present after 3 to 4 months should be discussed with your ophthalmologist rather than waited out further.

Halos that appear suddenly along with eye pain, nausea, or a rapid drop in vision are a different situation and should be treated as urgent. The AAO notes that extreme light sensitivity can be a sign of infection and should prompt an immediate call.