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What Causes Rainbow Vision Around The Lights While On The Contact Lens?
Question: I have been observing my eyes over the last few days..I see rainbows around the lights while I have my contacts on but when I take my contacts out the rainbows go away..it does not happen right away but takes a little while. The next morning I put my contacts in and the rainbows come back. What is causing this? I am a high minus so I do not like wearing my glasses..thanks so much!! This is causing me anxiety especially at night when I am driving ..
Brief Answer:
Corneal oedema
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
Thanks for sending your query to us.
There is some more information needed
What type of lenses you use,disposable or extended wear
Material of lenses soft or Gas permeable
Power in both eyes is same or different
How old are your lenses.
What is happening is that your lenses are blocking absorption of oxygen from air,leading to buildup of fluid in cornea.These droplets scatter the light in its seven components giving you a rainbow effect.
Get back to me with relevant information so we can offer some help.
Corneal oedema
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
Thanks for sending your query to us.
There is some more information needed
What type of lenses you use,disposable or extended wear
Material of lenses soft or Gas permeable
Power in both eyes is same or different
How old are your lenses.
What is happening is that your lenses are blocking absorption of oxygen from air,leading to buildup of fluid in cornea.These droplets scatter the light in its seven components giving you a rainbow effect.
Get back to me with relevant information so we can offer some help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I wear Bausch and Lomb toric lenses they are only 36% water??..that is what is written on the box?they are old schooled lenses but I see well with them so I continue to buy them. I have a -5.75-1.75 79 on the left and a -7.75 -75 110 on the right. I replace my lenses every month..the pair I have in at the moment are about two weeks old. Will this harm my eyes if they do not get oxygen? Will I need to stop wearing them for a while to get my eyes back in shape? I have been wearing contacts since I was 12..started out with the old hard ones..I went to gas perms and then to the soft toric lenses..you know I had a history of the higher intraocular pressure..but I get it checked on a regular basis..do you think that would cause swelling and cause the rainbow colors? Are gas perms better for this condition? Daily wear lenses? I try to limit my wear time..I never sleep in them..try to take them out and wear my glasses when I return home from work. You are amazing..I appreciate you soooo much!! Thank you soooo much!!
Brief Answer:
Corneal oedema
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
Good of you to get back to me.
I did not receive answer to my question if you get rainbow effect in one eye or both the eyes.
These are good lenses and you are handling them well.We usually avoid changing type of lenses unless essential.Droplets in cornea can also occur in raised pressure.Is it possible to have your next pressure reading after prolonged lens wear or near to the time of rainbow effect.As you are just 50+and we would be keen to keep a very close watch on eye pressure.Though your history of rainbow effect only during lens use is very pointing towards oxygen deprivation I mentioned but pressure is a greater culprit so should be watched keenly.
Do you remember having same rainbow effect with your last pair of lenses?
So fix up an appointment for pressure reading preferably in the evening when you may have rainbow effect.Open up a new pair of lenses and keep these to be used later.Do get back to me with pressure reading.In high myopia pressure reading is lower due to more elastic sclera.
Corneal oedema
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
Good of you to get back to me.
I did not receive answer to my question if you get rainbow effect in one eye or both the eyes.
These are good lenses and you are handling them well.We usually avoid changing type of lenses unless essential.Droplets in cornea can also occur in raised pressure.Is it possible to have your next pressure reading after prolonged lens wear or near to the time of rainbow effect.As you are just 50+and we would be keen to keep a very close watch on eye pressure.Though your history of rainbow effect only during lens use is very pointing towards oxygen deprivation I mentioned but pressure is a greater culprit so should be watched keenly.
Do you remember having same rainbow effect with your last pair of lenses?
So fix up an appointment for pressure reading preferably in the evening when you may have rainbow effect.Open up a new pair of lenses and keep these to be used later.Do get back to me with pressure reading.In high myopia pressure reading is lower due to more elastic sclera.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
I went to the doctor today..pressures were 20 and 19! He told me my cornea thickness is 5.87 .? Something like that so he said I could reduce my pressure reading to 18 or 19! Is that true? Also I changed contacts like you told me..the rainbow colors went away! Maybe it was a defective lens or perhaps I got hairspray on them....? I have not had the rainbows for two days after I changed them!! I really thank you soo much!! Wish you practiced in Oklahoma!! Have a wonderful day!!
Brief Answer:
Rainbow effects.
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
great to know we were able to offer some help.Still i will be happier to have your target pressure around 16,so that even if it varies it's still within normal range.
Stay healthy and may god bless you.
Rainbow effects.
Detailed Answer:
My dear,
great to know we were able to offer some help.Still i will be happier to have your target pressure around 16,so that even if it varies it's still within normal range.
Stay healthy and may god bless you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
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