Seeing rainbow halos around lights after bathing is not uncommon and can have a few possible explanations. One of the main causes is the presence of water droplets on your eyes or eyelashes, which can act as tiny prisms that refract light. Here are a few factors that contribute to this phenomenon:
Water droplets on the surface of your eyes: When you bathe, water droplets can adhere to your eyes or eyelashes. These droplets can act as miniature lenses or prisms that refract light. As light passes through these droplets, it undergoes dispersion, separating into its component colors and creating a rainbow-like effect.
Diffraction and scattering: Water droplets on your eyes can cause diffraction and scattering of light, leading to the formation of colorful rings or halos around light sources. This effect is similar to what occurs in atmospheric phenomena like rainbows or halos around the Sun or Moon.
Optical properties of water: Water has a higher refractive index than air, which means that light passing through water droplets experiences greater refraction. This refraction can lead to the separation of colors, resulting in the appearance of rainbow-like halos.
Sensitivity to light: After bathing, your eyes may be temporarily more sensitive to light, which can make the halos around light sources more noticeable.
It's worth noting that seeing rainbow halos around lights after bathing is usually temporary and not a cause for concern. However, if you experience persistent or significant changes in your vision or notice other unusual visual symptoms, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional for a thorough examination.