Are you like many other individuals and have difficulty or feel uncomfortable driving at night? This is a very common struggle for many people as our eyes do change at nighttime. Many people avoid driving at night because they do not feel as safe and they have a hard time seeing. Why does this happen and what are the ways you can help to feel safer while driving at night? Your Carmel Eye Doctor has the answers!

Your eyes and nighttime

During the day, especially when it is sunny out, your pupils stay small.  Your pupil controls the amount of light that enters your eye. Therefore, you may not experience the same uncomfortableness as nighttime because you can see more clearly during the day. When the sun goes down and the night skies set in, your pupils grow larger. This allows more light to pass through your pupils and all lights coming your way seem to feel like the light is virtually right in front of your eyes. Since this occurs, larger pupils take in a larger light, which makes your eyes strain or you can’t focus as well.

Halos and reflections can occur from this effect, which makes driving at night scarier for many. Sometimes people complain about things looking blurry and or fuzzy at night. What can you do to feel safer at night and eliminate some of the blurriness or halos that you may be experiencing?

Helpful Tips For Driving at Night From Your Carmel Eye Doctor:

Here are a few items that you can do to help with driving at night if you are experiencing and difficulties. It is important to keep in mind that regular eye exams are important to consider. You should be getting a regular eye exam with your eye doctor every 2 years unless noted more by your eye doctor. The older you get the more frequent you may need to visit your eye doctor. Your Carmel Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates we have the technology (Clarifye) to check your day and night vision, which is a great tool if you are experiencing any issues driving at night.

Here are a few other tips to consider as well:

• Schedule regular eye exams with you Carmel Eye Doctor
• Make sure your prescription is up to date on your contact lenses, eyeglasses, and sunglasses.
• Keep your windshield clean for all types of dirt and scratches.
• Keep your car in good condition. Ensure all headlights are in line; scratches are not in the windshield, wiper blades are not worn, etc.
• Purchase anti-reflection lenses to help with glares and reflections.
• Ensure your headlights are properly working.
• Minimize the risks of driving at night. Drive on familiar roads, avoid ramps and unlighted highways.
• Plan for extra drive time.
• Don’t drive when you are tired.
• Plan for extra driving time if conditions are bad, and don’t drive if you are stressed or tired. Stay focused on driving only, avoiding distractions.
• Keep two car lengths between you and the car ahead of you.

There are many ways to stay safe on the road while driving at night. Most of us have to drive daily in the nighttime; therefore, following these helpful tips can reduce our risks when driving in the dark. If you would like to set up an appointment with your Carmel Eye Doctor to have your night vision checked, please contact us today!