Night driving can be especially treacherous if you are having trouble with your vision. If you have cataracts, an outdated prescription for glasses, or if you have astigmatism, it is best not to venture out in the evening until these issues are corrected. If your issue is astigmatism, here are 7 tips for driving at night.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common vision problem affecting one-third of the population. Someone with astigmatism has an irregularly shaped cornea instead of a round shape. This football shape prevents light from focusing directly on the retina causing blurry, distorted vision, headaches, and eyestrain. At night you will see starbursts or glare around lights making night driving dangerous.
There are ways to improve your night vision keeping you, your family, and others safe by following these tips for driving at night with astigmatism.
See Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates
See an ophthalmologist like Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates in Newtown Square, PA if you notice night driving is becoming difficult. Maybe you already knew you had astigmatism, or maybe you are suddenly confronted with trouble seeing the road at night. Your eye care specialist can diagnose the level of astigmatism determining if it is mild, moderate or severe.
If you are older, you may also be dealing with cataracts which make the problem significantly worse. Once you know how bad the astigmatism is you can focus on what to do.
Night Vision Glasses
Anti-glare glasses have a coating which lessens or eliminates glare at night and are an easy option if you wear glasses. Avoid yellow-tinted types.
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric or gas-permeable lenses can definitely improve your night vision for driving. If you have at least a moderate form of astigmatism, both of these more rigid lenses can help your astigmatism.
Consider A Lens Implant
This is especially beneficial if you find out you have cataracts too. Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates can replace your natural lenses with an artificial toric lens implant to correct your astigmatism. This is a two-for-one correction.
Ortho-K
Orthokeratology uses rigid contact lenses which are only worn at night. You remove them in the morning, and they slowly change the shape of your cornea. It is a temporary fix and not inexpensive, but it does work.
Laser Vision Correction
LASIK corrects near vision, far vision, and astigmatism and it’s a permanent fix for many, but sometimes night vision can be compromised. Talk with Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates about if it is right for you.
Don’t Forget Your Car
Keep your windshield sparkling clean both inside and outside.
Keep side mirrors and all windows clean inside and out.
Use the night setting on your rearview mirror to reduce glare.
Keep your headlights clean.
Sources:
Driving at Night With Astigmatism: 5 Tips to See Better (trueeye.com)
Astigmatism Lights: Driving and Night Vision (verywellhealth.com)
Astigmatism: Effects on Light and Night Driving (allaboutvision.com)
Schedule an Appointment in Newtown Square, PA
Contact Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Associates at (610) 347-7672 for personalized recommendations to improve your night vision due to astigmatism.