Night Driving and Astigmatism: Can Glasses or Lenses Help?
Driving at night presents unique challenges, and for those with astigmatism, these challenges can be even more pronounced. Fortunately, there are specialized solutions, including glasses and lenses, available to help improve night driving for those with astigmatism.
The Impact of Astigmatism on Night Driving
Astigmatism is a common refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens in the eye, leading to distorted or blurred vision. This condition is especially troublesome at night, where glare, starburst vision, and reduced contrast sensitivity can make driving more difficult.
Astigmatism can significantly affect driving at night in several ways. One of the most common issues is glare, where bright lights, such as headlights from oncoming traffic, appear to have halos or streaks around them, making it difficult to focus on the road.
Additionally, blurred vision becomes more pronounced in low-light conditions, which can affect your ability to read road signs or identify hazards.
Reduced contrast sensitivity is another challenge, making it harder to distinguish objects or obstacles in dimly lit areas.
When you’re driving at night with astigmatism, these visual disturbances can be dangerous, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these issues. Two of the simplest ways to mitigate visibility issues include contacts for astigmatism, specifically toric contact lenses, and specialized glasses (like glasses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating and nighttime driving glasses).
Help With Astigmatism and Driving at Night
One of the most effective solutions for improving night driving for those with astigmatism is wearing glasses with specialized lenses designed for nighttime vision, which can help address glare and improve visual clarity.
To get the most benefit, it’s important to consult the optometrists at Kirman Eye. They can recommend the right prescription and possibly anti-glare coatings or tinted lenses that will make your nighttime driving safer and more comfortable.
Here are some of the key lens technology options available through Kirman Eye:
- Anti-Reflective Glasses: Glasses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating are particularly beneficial for night driving and astigmatism. The coating reduces glare caused by headlights, streetlights, and other bright sources of light, improving contrast and clarity. This is especially important when dealing with eye glare problems at night.
- Nighttime Driving Glasses: These glasses are designed to enhance contrast and reduce glare. Some nighttime glasses come with yellow or amber tints, which can improve visibility in low-light conditions and reduce eye strain. Night driving glasses can increase the transmittance of light through the lens to help it reach the eye.
- Contact Lenses for Astigmatism: For those who prefer not to wear glasses, contact lenses for astigmatism come in a variety, including daily replacement and monthly replacement lenses. There are also contact lenses with blue light filtering, which can help with night driving.
Why Do I see Starbursts When I Drive at Night?
One of the visual issues commonly experienced by those with astigmatism, especially at night, is starburst vision. This refers to the phenomenon where bright lights, such as car headlights or streetlights, appear to have halos or star-like patterns around them.
Starburst vision occurs because light entering the eye is scattered due to the irregular shape of the cornea or lens. It can be particularly bothersome at night or in low-light environments, making it difficult to focus on the road.
This visual distortion may cause a driver to instinctively steer toward the bright lights as a point of focus.
While astigmatism is the most common cause of starburst vision, several other factors can contribute, including:
Cataracts: A clouded lens in the eye that causes light to scatter, often resulting in blurry or halo-like vision.
Refractive Surgery: After procedures like LASIK, some people experience temporary starburst vision as the cornea is reshaped.
Dry Eyes: A lack of lubrication on the surface of the eye can cause blurred vision, exacerbating the starburst effect.
Manage Astigmatism & Improve Nighttime Driving
If night driving and astigmatism are causing significant challenges for you, schedule an eye appointment with a Kirman Eye care professional. An optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam, assess the severity of your condition, and recommend the most effective treatment options.
We can help you choose the right contact lenses or glasses to address both astigmatism and night driving issues.
Additionally, regular eye exams are essential to monitor your vision and adjust prescriptions as needed. If you’re struggling with night driving, your eye care provider may suggest nighttime driving glasses or other treatments to improve your safety on the road.
Whether you choose anti-reflective glasses, nighttime driving glasses, or contact lenses for night driving, these solutions can significantly reduce the discomfort caused by eye glare problems and improve your overall vision.
