Why Wearing Glasses is a Must for Night Driving
When it comes to safe driving, we often focus on factors such as speed, road conditions, and staying sober behind the wheel. However, there’s one essential element that’s often overlooked – our vision. Especially when driving at night, clear vision becomes critical. So, if you normally have to wear glasses to read or for long distance it is probably worthwhile to consider having a chat with your optician about your needs when driving at night.
In October 2023, the College of Optometrists emphasised the importance of wearing glasses for night driving. In this blog article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this recommendation and how it can make your night-time journeys safer.
The Challenge of Driving at Night
Driving at night presents a unique set of challenges. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights, and difficulty in judging distances can make it a daunting task for even the most experienced drivers. While we can’t control external factors like street lighting, we do have control over our own vision.
Clear Vision Matters
Vision is our primary source of information while driving. It allows us to read road signs, judge the distance to other vehicles, and react quickly to unexpected situations. For those who wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s crucial to ensure that their vision is optimised, especially during night-time hours.
The College of Optometrists emphasises that if you require glasses to correct your vision, you should wear them when driving at night. This advice is not only for those with severe vision problems but also for those with mild prescriptions. Even a slight visual impairment can have a significant impact on your ability to see clearly in low light conditions.
Reducing Glare
One of the biggest challenges of night driving is dealing with glare from headlights and streetlights. Glasses can help reduce this glare, making it easier for you to see the road and potential hazards. Additionally, certain lens coatings are available to further minimise reflections and glare, enhancing your night vision.
Enhancing Depth Perception
Wearing your glasses while driving at night can significantly improve your depth perception. This is vital for judging the distance between your vehicle and others, helping you make safe lane changes and avoid collisions. Glasses can enhance your ability to perceive distances accurately, giving you that extra peace of mind on the road.
Reading the vehicle dashboard information instrument cluster
If you wear glasses, particularly to read, driving at night, even with the instrument cluster controls set to the highest illumination setting, the information can be harder to read.
Regular Eye Exams
To ensure your glasses are up to the task, it’s important to have regular eye exams. Your vision can change over time, and an outdated prescription may not provide the clarity you need for safe night driving. Optometrists recommend eye exams at least once a year to ensure that your vision correction is up to date.
Zeiss Drive Safe Lens
There is also a specific lens designed to help those who suffer from headlight dazzle, the Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses. These are everyday lenses specifically designed to meet the visual needs of drivers. Design features and technologies enhance the wearer’s vision experience during the day or night while driving. There are 3 elements when driving at night that Zeiss DriveSafe lenses combat:
- Heightened vision in low light levels with Zeiss luminance design technology which takes into account different pupil sizes related to light conditions.
- Reduced glare from street lamps and oncoming traffic with Zeiss luminance design technology which reflects the wavelength of light responsible for unclear vision. Less perceived glare up to 64%.
- Optimised distance and intermediate zones will reduce the need for horizontal and vertical head movement.
To conclude, it is important to state that driving at night can be challenging. By prioritising your vision and wearing the correct glasses, you can significantly improve your safety on the road.
The advice from the College of Optometrists is clear – if you require glasses to correct your vision, make sure to wear them when driving at night. Not only will this reduce glare and enhance depth perception, but it will also contribute to a safer driving experience for you and other road users. So, before you embark on your next night-time drive, make sure you’ve got your glasses on for a clearer, safer ride.
If you have any issues with your vision, or you would like to know more about our services, please call in or phone your nearest practice or email us and we would be delighted to help.
