The winter solstice means the days are shorter and more people are driving while it is dark outside. Though there are few vehicles driving on the road at night, according to the National Safety Council, half of all traffic fatalities occur at night. Compromised night vision is a major factor when it comes to car accidents.

There is no question-driving in the dark is more dangerous,” says Eli Peli, M.Sc., O.D., professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the Moakley Scholar in Aging Eye Research at the Schepens Eye Research Institute. “It’s especially an issue for low-vision patients.”

Night driving issues include having a hard time adjusting to glare from headlights, struggling with seeing road signs clearly or reading car instruments, loss of side vision or inability to judge speed or distance.

The American Optometric Association recommends drivers:

• Avoid looking directly into the glare of oncoming vehicles’ headlights.
• Keep your windshield clean-dirty, streaky and fogged windows can create glare and reduce visibility.
• Slow down. Increase the following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
• Adjust your high beams and driving schedule.
• Remember to blink, as the drafts from vehicle air vents can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• Improve eyesight by eating lutein and zeaxanthin-rich foods.
• Visit your eye doctor.

Why is it more difficult to see at night?

Many people find driving at night very stressful, especially as we get older. As we age, our pupils get progressively smaller. This means they don’t dilate as quickly and less light is reaching the retina. Making it more difficult to adjust from dim to bright light. This condition, known as night blindness, makes driving at night particularly troublesome.

Night driving glasses can help

Special night driving glasses with anti-reflective coating can help you see better as you drive at night by sharpening vision and reducing glare.  Star bursts, halos, and other visual distractions can be reduced with lenses developed with this new technology.

If you’re experiencing any vision problems such night vision, it is imperative to have a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any treatable issues like outdated prescription glasses or cataracts.

Make an appointment with Lake Nona Eye Care,  we have two Lake Nona locations, Moss Park 407-658-9990 and Eagle Creek 407-930-5305