Are halos at night normal after PRK?

What's normal

StatPearls says patients may experience a halo effect during the first 4 to 6 weeks following PRK, that it is more likely at night and in people with large pupils, and that it generally diminishes without treatment.

Headlights, streetlights, and phone screens in a dark room are where you notice it. Starbursts and glare belong to the same family of symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists glare and halos around lights, particularly at night, among the possible complications of PRK, so it is a recognized effect rather than a surprise.

Dryness makes halos worse, and StatPearls lists dry eye as one of the most common issues after laser refractive surgery. Using lubricating drops before evening driving often helps more than people expect. Give night vision more time than day vision to settle.

Most noticeable in the first 4 to 6 weeks, usually fading without treatment as the surface smooths and dryness improves.

When it stops being normal

Halos that are steadily improving are expected. Halos that suddenly appear or worsen after weeks of clear vision, or that come with pain, redness, or a drop in daytime vision, deserve a call.

If halos are still limiting night driving beyond a few months, bring it up at a follow up visit rather than waiting it out. StatPearls describes full refractive stability typically at 6 to 12 months, and your surgeon can check whether the cause is residual refractive error, dryness, or haze.