I don’t like driving at night. What can help my vision when driving at night?

This is a question that we hear a lot, and to which the answer can be divided in 3 parts:

1. Maximize the vision you have now, and for the future. See your Optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination and return regularly as recommended. Have your glasses prescription checked to make sure you are seeing the best you can. Keep your eyeglass lenses current with your most recent and up to date prescription. Uncorrected or even small changes to farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism prescriptions are most noticeable in poor and low light conditions. In addition, some eye health conditions such as cataracts among others, can contribute to night time difficulties. Your Optometrist can diagnose, monitor, and refer you for treatment if necessary to an eye specialist.

2. Before setting out on your drive and while behind the wheel, there are a couple things you can do to improve visibility conditions when driving.Inspect both your headlights and windshield. Make sure your headlights are wiped off to remove dust and dirt to help better light your way. Check that your windshield is clean and streak free, even on the inside, and keep your windshield fluid topped up. When driving, adjust the position of your rear view mirror to diminish glare from cars following behind. Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights, looking just to the side instead, which may help you avoid temporarily losing your adaption to low light viewing.

3. Talk to our Optical staff about eyeglass lenses that are specifically designed for night driving. Zeiss DriveSafe lenses with Aura Drive coating, available in both single vision and progressive lens designs, help improve visual acuity in low light and poor weather conditions. Their lens design takes into account the change in pupil size that occurs in dim lighting to help improve contrast, providing better vision. The DriveSafe technology also gives drivers fewer vision problems when shifting focus. The special coating reduces irritable glare. For progressive lens wearers, peripheral lens distortions are minimized, making it easier to focus on the road ahead, the dashboard and the side mirrors.

Each person has a unique makeup which combines their vision ability, eyeglass prescription and visual demands. Talk to your Optometrist or member of our Optical Team today about what may be right for you. Drive Safe.