In a patient presenting with acute onset right eye pain and visual loss, what history question would best support the diagnosis?

Visualizing halos around street lights is a key symptom associated with certain ocular conditions, most notably glaucoma, which can lead to acute eye pain and visual disturbances. In particular, acute angle-closure glaucoma presents with sudden eye pain, visual loss, and halos around lights due to corneal edema and increased intraocular pressure. The scenario described indicates an acute condition with visual changes, so the presence of halos is indicative of a potential increase in intraocular pressure and a narrowing of the drainage angle of the eye, reinforcing the likelihood of a serious ocular emergency.

The other history questions, while relevant in different contexts, do not provide the same direct association with acute eye pain and visual loss as the symptom of halos does. For instance, contact lens use could be relevant in cases of corneal abrasions or infections, past sexual contacts might suggest sexually transmitted infections or systemic conditions, and recent upper respiratory symptoms could indicate a viral etiology that affects systemic health but is less specific to acute visual changes. Thus, in the context of acute eye pain and visual loss, inquiring about peripheral visual experiences like halos is particularly significant and supports the diagnosis effectively.