Eyecare for Drivers: Should You Get Night Driving Glasses?
Driving at night is challenging, even for the most experienced of drivers. In fact, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reports that 40% of all accidents in the UK happen during the night.
This is quite an alarming statistic!
One critical reason for this is the poor visibility. It’s easy to put the blame on lack of sleep or tough road conditions, which of course are contributing factors, but we often overlook how the absence of light and glare from other vehicles affect our vision.
These factors slow our reaction time and make it harder to drive safely.
But what if there was a way to improve our night-time vision?
Today, many companies claim to have the answer with their night-driving glasses.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into what these glasses are, how they’re supposed to work, and what you should know before buying one.
What are Night Driving Glasses?
Night driving glasses are non-prescription special types of glasses designed to help people see better when they drive at night. They have yellow lenses that work to reduce glare from oncoming headlights. The glare can make it hard to see the road clearly.
These glasses also brighten everything up, making it easier to spot things like road signs and animals.
However, not everyone agrees that night driving glasses are helpful.
Some experts say they might even make it harder to see because they can darken your view too much.
So, if you’re thinking about getting some, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor first.
Also Read: First Time Van Drivers: What You Need to Know?
Do Night Driving Glasses Work?
The effectiveness of these glasses is a topic of debate, with some users finding them beneficial while others see little difference.
The primary function of night driving glasses is to minimise the harsh glare from bright lights, such as oncoming car headlights. By scattering and filtering out blue light, these glasses aim to reduce strain on your eyes and make driving at night a more comfortable experience.
This is according to Healthline, which states that night driving lenses not only reduce the amount of glare but also help drivers see clearer in dark environments.
However, it’s essential to note that not all sources agree on the efficacy of these glasses.
For instance, All About Vision suggests that the anti-reflective (AR) coating on these glasses only reduces the glare caused by the eyeglass lenses themselves, implying that they might not provide any significant visual benefit for non-prescription users.
Similarly, a Reddit thread indicated that these glasses don’t do much for night driving, although they might be slightly helpful in foggy conditions or on gloomy overcast days.
On the other hand, there are those who find night-driving glasses to be beneficial.
A Quora response noted that anti-glare glasses can indeed aid with night driving by reducing the impact of glare from oncoming headlights and other light sources.
Similarly, Harrel Eye Care’s 2023 review found that night driving glasses make everything appear brighter and more defined at night, contributing to reduced eye strain.
Despite the mixed opinions, night-driving glasses do have their benefits, making them worth considering. However, it’s crucial to remember that individual experiences with these glasses can vary greatly, depending on factors like one’s vision, health and specific needs.
Therefore, consulting with an eye care professional before deciding to purchase night driving glasses could be a wise move.
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Tips for Choosing The Best Night Driving Glasses
Avoid Polarised or UV Lenses
It’s generally recommended to avoid lenses that are polarised or have UV protection. The reason for this is that both these types of lenses are designed to handle bright sunlight, not low-light conditions like nighttime driving.
Polarised lenses work by reducing glare from reflective surfaces, like water or a shiny car hood, but they can also darken your overall view, making it harder to see in low light conditions.
UV lenses, on the other hand, protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, but they don’t offer any benefits for night driving. In fact, they might even make it harder to see at night because they can reduce the amount of light that gets to your eyes.
So, for night driving glasses, it’s best to look for options with anti-glare and anti-reflective properties instead.
Consider Glasses with Yellow Filters
As polarising lenses are not safe for evening drives, several night driving glasses use yellow-tinted lenses instead to reduce glare.
According to a recent study, people with good vision may improve contrast sensitivity when wearing yellow-amber no infrared (NoIR) glasses in low-visibility situations, such as night driving or driving through fog.
Do note that some people may find the colours visually intense and distracting, so it’s good to use them for a test drive first to see if they work for you.
If you still struggle to see at night even with these glasses, it may be caused by underlying factors or illnesses.
Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to evaluate your condition to see whether you need treatment.
Anti-Reflective Coating
Anti-reflective (AR) coating helps reduce the glare caused by the eyeglass lenses themselves, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions like driving at night.
AR coating can diminish the impact of glare from oncoming headlights and other light sources, hence improving the overall driving experience.
Additionally, regular lenses block about 8% of the available light; however, glasses with AR coating are optimal for night driving as they allow maximum light possible to pass through to the eyes, thereby improving night vision.
Lens Quality
The quality of the glasses’ lens should never be overlooked. A good quality lens makes a massive difference in enhancing your vision and making your driving safer.
Imagine this, if you’re wearing glasses with poor-quality lenses, they might not be correctly designed to reduce glare, and instead, they might distort light and blur your vision. When you’re driving at night, this could make it harder for you to see road signs or other vehicles. As a result, you might strain your eyes, causing discomfort and fatigue.
On the other hand, high-quality lenses can significantly improve your night driving experience. They are designed to reduce glare effectively and filter out harmful light. They also offer a clearer and sharper image, which helps you to see more details in low-light conditions.
As a result, driving becomes less stressful and safer.
It’s recommended to go for high-quality lenses as they help to decrease glare and increase contrast, enhancing your vision while driving in the dark. They might be more expensive, but they are worth the investment considering the comfort, safety, and improved night vision they offer.
Consult an Eye Professional
Night driving glasses are usually non-prescription, designed to lessen glare and improve contrast in low-light conditions. However, everyone’s eyes are unique and have different needs. And if you’re still unsure or have any concerns, the best thing to do is consult an eye professional.
An eye professional can evaluate your vision and advise if night driving glasses would be beneficial in your specific case. They can provide expert guidance and solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring your eyes are well-protected and your vision optimised.
Bottom Line
Driving at night can often feel challenging. You’ve probably heard a lot about night driving glasses and their potential benefits. And indeed, high-quality night driving glasses can make a big difference, reducing glare and improving contrast.
But remember, what works for one person may not work for everyone.
So, if you’re still unsure or have any doubts, it’s best to seek advice from an eye care professional.
We hope this information has been helpful and provided you with a clearer vision, whether you’re on the road at night or in the process of deciding if night driving glasses are a good fit for you.
Drive safe!
