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Driving on the road at night can be challenging because it places more of a demand on your vision.

Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmologist Michelle E. Andreoli, MD, explains that dim lights and more glare lead to less contrast. This can result in:

• Difficulty recognizing colors
• Impaired peripheral vision and depth perception
• Temporary blindness due to the glare from oncoming vehicles
• Slower reaction time to road hazards

Night driving can be particularly challenging for older adults because as people age, their vision naturally deteriorates. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, you might need to drive at age 50 compared to age 30.

That doesn’t mean you need to give up nighttime driving. Here are some tips to keep you safe on the road after sunset.

Take Care of Your Eyes

Vision changes happen gradually and can often be attributed to underlying conditions like dry eyes, cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Regular visits with your optometrist and ophthalmologist are the best way to ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible.  

As your vision changes, be sure to update your prescription. For glasses, “add an anti-glare coating to significantly reduce eye strain and improve clarity during night driving," advises »ªÌå»á Optometrist Dzejna Mezbur, OD . When choosing frames, pay attention to the thickness and size: Wider frames can obstruct peripheral vision.

If you have astigmatism and wear contact lenses, Dr. Mezbur recommends toric lenses, as they may help improve night vision clarity, and reduce halos or starbursts.

Long stretches of driving can cause itchy, dry, strained eyes, which can worsen glare and reduce your ability to focus. Before hitting the road, Dr. Mezbur suggests blinking frequently or applying some artificial tears. And if you feel drowsy while driving, pull over and close your eyes to give them a rest.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Taking care of your car’s needs is also important.

• Clean your windshield, windows and mirrors before you hit the road at night. Smudges, dirt and dust reflect light, which can distort your vision and make glares worse.  
• Make sure your headlights are aligned, and replace the bulbs as needed.
• Angle your mirrors to minimize glare from headlights behind you.
• Bright interior lights actually reduce your ability to see in the dark, so dim the dashboard lights while driving.

Maximize Your Headlights � and Protect Your Eyes

When driving on rural roads or low-traffic areas, put your high beams to work. These powerful lights illuminate up to 400 feet of road ahead of you � the equivalent of a full city block! Just remember to dim them for oncoming traffic and when following a car.

It’s hard for eyes to quickly adjust from bright to low-light environments. To stay focused and avoid the glare and temporary blindness from oncoming headlights, briefly avert your eyes to the right-side lane markings.

If you’re in the market for a new car, consider asking about these innovative features:

• Adaptive driving beam headlights use smart technology to automatically adjust lighting needs for both you and oncoming vehicles. That means you’ll have a well-lit road without creating glare for oncoming drivers.
• Automatic mirror dimmers reduce glare from bright lights behind you, which improves road visibility, and reduces eyestrain and fatigue.

Learn more about your eyes and what to expect at your next eye exam.