Driving at night can feel challenging even at the best of times, but for those with astigmatism, those headlights, reflections, and dimly lit roads can make it even more difficult to see clearly. All this together can take a real toll on your confidence and safety behind the wheel.
But here’s the good news—with the right precautions and tips, night driving can feel a lot less stressful. Here are 5 practical tips for driving at night with astigmatism:
- Get the right prescription eyewear tailored to your needs.
- Use hydrating eyedrops if you wear contact lenses.
- Maintain your car for better visibility.
- Reduce distracting lights inside your vehicle.
- Always drive cautiously and consider alternatives if needed.
These pointers can help set you up for a safer and more comfortable night drive.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors and occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular shape. This irregularity prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, which is the part of your eye that sends visual signals to your brain.
For people with astigmatism, this often leads to blurry or distorted vision, which can worsen in low-light conditions such as nighttime driving.
The exact causes of astigmatism are not always clear. It may be present at birth, develop during childhood, or result from an eye injury or surgery.
Common symptoms can include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Squinting to see clearly
- Eye strain and frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
How Astigmatism Is Diagnosed & Treated
Diagnosing astigmatism is a straightforward process. Your optometrist can perform a series of tests during a comprehensive eye exam to measure how your eyes bend light and determine the extent of the refractive error.
Once diagnosed, treatment options can typically include prescription glasses, toric contact lenses, or even laser eye surgery, depending on the severity.
Tips for Driving at Night with Astigmatism
Night driving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these tips, you can improve your comfort and your confidence behind the wheel.
1. Get Appropriate Eyewear
Your first step is ensuring you have the proper eyewear for your specific needs.
- Update your prescription regularly. Outdated prescriptions can leave even the best drivers struggling to see clearly at night.
- Consider toric contact lenses if you prefer contacts over glasses. Toric lenses are designed to fit the unique shape of astigmatic eyes, helping correct blurry vision.
Be sure to consult your optometrist to determine if you need to update your prescriptions.
2. Use Hydrating Eyedrops If You Wear Contact Lenses
Dry eyes plus contact lenses can sometimes make nighttime vision worse. Hydrating drops can help keep your eyes comfortable and your vision crystal clear.
Choose hydrating drops that are safe to use with your lenses, because some formulas are specifically made for contact wearers. Be patient, though, as some drops may momentarily blur your vision before fully settling. Always check with your optometrist if you’re unsure about the right drops to use.
3. Keep Up with Car Maintenance
Your car’s condition plays a significant role in your nighttime visibility. Clean and maintain the following regularly:
- Windshield, mirrors, and windows to avoid streaks and smudges that can scatter light.
- Headlights to maintain brightness and reduce fogging caused by dirt buildup.
- Windshield wipers so rain and debris don’t impair your view.
If you wear glasses, keep the lenses spotless, too, as small smudges can create annoyingly blurry spots while driving.
4. Reduce All Lights Inside the Car
Bright dashboard lights can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness outside.
- Dim the lights on your dashboard and any other interior displays, such as your GPS or infotainment display.
- If your car has a night mode setting for the rear-view mirror, enable it to minimize glare from other vehicles’ headlights.
These small adjustments can greatly enhance your ability to focus on the road.
5. Drive Carefully & Safely
While it’s always important to drive cautiously, nighttime driving with astigmatism warrants additional care.
- Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to reduce glare. Instead, focus slightly to the side of the light source.
- Maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles to give yourself extra time to react.
- If glare or visibility becomes overwhelming, consider switching drivers when possible or seeking alternative transportation options, such as ride-shares or carpooling.
If you continue to feel unsafe driving at night, consult your optometrist for personalized services.
Take Control of Your Nighttime Vision
Driving at night with astigmatism may feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By following these tips and regularly consulting your optometrist, you can make your nighttime journeys safer and more comfortable.
At Dr. Chris Schell, we’re passionate about helping you see the world clearly, day or night. Whether it’s a new prescription or specialized eyewear tailored to your needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Book your eye exam today and start seeing beyond limits. An eye exam is an important step toward clearer vision.
