The importance of night driving glasses: Staying safe on the road
In the UK, the legal eyesight requirement dictates that drivers should be able to clearly read a registration plate from a distance of 20 meters. This allows you to identify hazards quickly, react accordingly and keep all road users safe in the process. For many of us, the change from day to night can slightly affect our ability to see clearly when driving. Everything from low light to increased reflections impacts our ability to focus on the road ahead. As such, the right eyewear for driving at night is imperative for our own safety and that of other road users.
Why is it harder to see when driving at night?
Our eyes work best in mid-level light conditions, which optimise our ability to process the sights we pick up. In darker environments less light can enter our retinas, putting our eyes under more strain. To offset this our pupils dilate, allowing in as much light as possible. While this can help in some environments, it challenges our vision when on the roads.
When we drive at night the ambient light may have faded, but light from artificial sources increases. This comes from different directions: tail lights of other vehicles ahead, headlights in our peripheral vision, street lamps from above and so on. Reflection and glare work against us and as we move along the road, the conditions change constantly, pushing our eyes to change and adapt to maintain optimal vision. As a result it’s more challenging to spot hazards, including junctions and pedestrians, as well as to focus on the road ahead fully.
Compounding this is the fact that as we get older, our eyesight naturally deteriorates. The cornea and lens both become clouded over time, creating more glare, while a reduced sensitivity to subtle light differences also makes it harder to spot things ahead of us. These changes are common but not ones to be ignored - especially if you drive regularly in the later hours.
How to improve vision at night
As with any vision changes, scheduling regular eye examinations is key to maintaining your sight. If you notice that it’s becoming harder to drive at night, speak to your local optician. With a fully comprehensive eye examination, they will be able to check over the general health of your eyes and, where necessary, adjust your glasses prescription to account for any changes.
Another way to minimise the impact of changing conditions in the dark is to invest in glasses that are tailored for driving at night. Lenses with an anti-reflective coating, for example, can minimise glare from oncoming traffic, giving you clearer vision in situations with numerous artificial light sources. Alternatively, you can opt for glasses with yellow-tinted lenses. These reduce glare while improving colour contrasts, which aids depth and distance perception.
If your prescription has changed and you now require multiple prescriptions, consider bifocal or varifocal lenses to help you see both the road and your dashboard clearly. Any good optical glasses store will be able to help you select a frame that complements your prescription.
At The Eye Establishment, we specialise in fully comprehensive eye examinations and optical services to maintain your eye health for longer. Our glasses shop also stocks a range of frames to suit your needs and style. Browse our products online or visit us today to find the perfect glasses for night-time wear.