According to Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision Index Report, 20 percent of Aussie drivers find themselves squinting while driving during the day, with this figure increasing to more than 1 in 4 struggling with vision once the sun sets and darkness falls.
“It is certainly of concern the number of Australia drivers who are obviously struggling to see clearly while driving, which makes it essential to understand why our eyesight can falter, especially in low-light conditions,” said Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer at Optometry Australia.
“These changes can begin to occur as early as our late 20s or early 30s and much of this early onset deterioration of night vision can be attributed to several eye conditions.
Cataracts
It is estimated that 243,139 Australians are currently living with visually significant cataracts and with an ageing population, this number is projected to increase to over 300,000 by 2030.
“Clouding of the eye’s lens due to the presence of cataracts can amplify the brightness of lights, leading to glare and halos, significantly impairing nighttime visibility. Despite being more prevalent among the elderly, the process of cataract formation begins as early as 40, emphasising the importance of proactive eye care.”
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma
AMD primarily targets the macula, the central part of the retina essential for sharp, central vision.
“As the disease advances, it often results in central vision loss, impacting visibility in low-light settings, such as during nighttime. This decline in central vision makes it challenging to perceive fine details and objects clearly, particularly in dim lighting conditions.”
Conversely, glaucoma primarily affects the optic nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain.
“Initially, glaucoma may not affect night vision significantly. However, as the condition progresses and optic nerve damage worsens, there's a gradual loss of peripheral vision, making it hard to detect objects to the side, especially in low-light conditions at night. Furthermore, certain types of glaucoma can heighten sensitivity to light, exacerbating the impact on night vision.”
Dry eye syndrome
Characterised by insufficient tear production, dry eye syndrome can cause discomfort as well as compromise vision quality, particularly in tired or screen-strained eyes.
“This condition becomes more prevalent as we age, with adults over 50 being more susceptible. Dry eye can blur vision, exacerbating nighttime driving challenges.”
Presbyopia
Moving into middle age, another hurdle emerges: presbyopia.
This normal age-related condition affects near vision, making tasks like reading and examining menus more arduous. However, its impact extends beyond close-range activities, as the strain on the eyes throughout the day can inadvertently affect distance vision as well.
“Presbyopia is a normal trait of ageing that usually becomes more noticeable between the ages of 40 and 50. While this condition cannot be prevented or cured, a properly prescribed pair of corrective lenses from your optometrist can make your life much easier.
Difficulty driving at night vs night blindness
Difficulty driving at night and night blindness are related concepts but with distinct differences.
“The former refers to challenges individuals may experience while operating a vehicle in low-light conditions, which can stem from various factors such as reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights and decreased depth perception.
Conversely, night blindness, clinically known as nyctalopia, refers to a specific vision impairment where individuals have difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, especially at night.”
Difficulty driving at night can result from conditions like cataracts, glaucoma or age-related vision changes, which affect a person's ability to adapt to darkness, perceive contrast and judge distances accurately, thus impacting their driving performance.
Night blindness can be caused by conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, vitamin A deficiency or certain genetic disorders affecting the retina's ability to respond to dim light.
“While difficulty driving at night encompasses a broader range of visual challenges related to nighttime driving, night blindness specifically denotes an impairment in seeing in low-light conditions regardless of the task at hand.”
As night blindness can severely impact one's ability to navigate safely in the dark, the importance of regular eye exams with an optometrist to diagnose and address underlying vision issues cannot be overstated.
Making low light and nighttime driving safer
Good vision is essential for safe driving. Even a small loss of vision can affect how well you read road signs or see objects from a distance.
Good peripheral vision is also very important for driving safely as many everyday driving tasks, such as merging, changing lanes and seeing pedestrians require peripheral vision.
“Safe driving at night requires the ability to see in low light levels, beyond the range of the car headlights. It also requires the ability to recover quickly from the glare of oncoming headlights. Night vision deteriorates with age in all of us. Chat with your optometrist about ways you can address this.”
Other things you can do to maximise vision for driving at night
- When facing the glare of oncoming headlights, techniques adjusting dashboard lights can enhance visibility
- Simple measures like cleaning windshields and using the appropriate headlights contribute to a safer driving experience
- Prescription glasses with anti-reflection coatings and mindful positioning of dashboard vents further optimise visual comfort, reducing the risk of dry eyes
It is recommended that every Australian, from the time they start primary school, pay their optometrist a visit at least every year until age 18, then every two years as an adult, and then yearly again after turning 65, unless otherwise directed, for a comprehensive eye examination.
To schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today, use our easy search tool here.
