Driving at night presents unique challenges for individuals with astigmatism because the irregular corneal or lens shape distorts how light enters the eye. As such, glare from signage, oncoming traffic, and even street lamps can appear blurry. To address this, consulting an optometrist, like Kacee Eye Care, and getting the proper corrective lenses is crucial.
Is It Safe to Drive at Night if You Have Astigmatism?
Your ability to drive safely at night depends on the severity of the condition and whether your vision has been properly corrected. Driving with severe, uncorrected astigmatism can reduce visual clarity and increase glare sensitivity, posing safety risks, especially in dim conditions. That’s why it’s essential to have your eyes examined by an optometrist so you can receive the appropriate corrective lenses for your needs.
For many people with astigmatism, wearing suitable lenses allows them to see clearly.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Night Vision?
At night or in low-light environments, your pupils naturally dilate to let in more light. While this helps you see better in low-light conditions, it also allows more peripheral light to enter the eye. For someone with astigmatism, the irregular shape of the cornea or lens hinders light from focusing evenly on the retina, the part of the eye that converts light into signals that help the brain with visual recognition. As a result, you may experience:
- Blurry or Distorted Vision: Objects, signs, and road markings may look fuzzy or unclear.
- Halos Around Lights: Headlights or traffic signals may have rings surrounding them.
- Starburst Effects: Light sources seem to radiate streaks outward.
- Increased Glare and Sensitivity: Bright lights may feel blinding or disorienting.
These issues can also affect depth perception and reaction time, especially when driving at high speeds or in rainy conditions.
Tips for Safer Night Driving with Astigmatism
While astigmatism can make night driving more challenging, there are many practical steps you can take to improve both safety and comfort behind the wheel.
1. Get Your Prescription Checked
If you already wear prescription glasses or contact lenses but still experience symptoms such as glare, halos, or blurred vision at night, your current lenses may not be fully correcting your astigmatism. An updated eye checkup can help determine whether you need lenses specifically designed to address astigmatism, along with any other vision conditions you may have.
2. Control What You Can While Driving
You can also make adjustments or change habits to ensure your safety while driving at night. Good habits paired with the appropriate corrective lenses help minimise the effects of astigmatism in bright lights when driving.
- Drive Slightly Slower at Night: Reduced visibility means you’ll need extra time to judge distances and react to other vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards. Slowing down helps compensate for visual distortion caused by astigmatism.
- Avoid Using Bright Interior Lights: In some cases, interior lighting can reflect off windows and worsen glare, making it even harder to see clearly outside the vehicle. Keep the interior lights dim so your eyes can better adjust to the darkness.
- Use the Night Setting on Your Rear-View Mirror: If this is an available feature in your vehicle, use it to reduce the dazzle from headlights behind you, preventing discomfort and eye strain.
- Keep Your Glasses, Mirrors, and Windshields Spotless: Dust, oil, and smudges scatter light, intensifying glare and halos. Regular cleaning makes a noticeable difference in clarity during night driving with astigmatism.
- Stick to Familiar Routes When Possible: Knowing the layout of the road helps reduce visual and mental strain, so you can focus more on other vehicles, lighting conditions, and potential hazards.
When to See an Optometrist
If you are experiencing issues associated with astigmatism, like discomfort driving at night, consult an eye care clinic like Kacee Eye Care. Our optometrist can evaluate your visual clarity, determine the severity of your astigmatism, and recommend suitable solutions, whether that means progressive lenses or other corrective lens options. We also help you manage glare, halos, and visual discomfort so you can drive more confidently and comfortably at night.
Whether you have noticed increasing distorted lights or changes in your prescription, seeking professional care ensures your eyes receive the support and attention they need.
For more eye care insights, check out our guide on how to protect your eyes from computer screen strain.