You may have come across ads for “night driving glasses” or “night vision glasses,” both of which claim to aid those who have trouble seeing at night. But do they really work? Your local optometrist Opti-Care takes an in-depth look.
What Are Night Driving Glasses?
Night driving glasses look like regular eyeglasses with yellow-tinted lenses. Some manufacturers claim their glasses are equipped with polarized lenses, like the ones used in modern 3D cinemas. Night driving glasses claim to limit the amount of light that gets into the eyes, which can come from vehicles in the opposite lane or overly bright streetlights.
While tinted and polarized lenses have their respective uses, driving at night isn’t one of them. Night driving glasses shouldn’t be mistaken for night vision goggles, which use infrared cameras to see in low-light conditions. Using night driving glasses will actually make it harder to see, as they filter light and induce additional strain on the eyes.
Things Than Can Help You With Night Driving
If you are suffering from night blindness, a condition that limits vision under low-light conditions, visit an eye care specialist and have an eye exam performed. Night blindness is associated with various eye problems such as myopia and tunnel vision. The can condition be inherited or caused by a vitamin-deficient diet. Minimize driving after sundown until your eye specialist has identified the underlying cause of your night blindness and provided an effective course of treatment.
You should also take steps to reduce anything that might impede your vision. Keep your car’s windshield clean on both sides, make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition and regularly clean your headlights. If you wear prescription glasses, keep the prescription up to date and make it a habit to clean your glasses before you drive anywhere.
Think twice about buying products such as night driving glasses. When buying any kind of eyewear that claims to aid vision, ask your eye care specialist about it first. In addition to saving your money on useless products, you also make driving at night safer for you and your family.
Opti-Care is your leading provider of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Give us a call at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Westminster and Marriottsville, MD.