Vision viewpoints: How can I improve my night driving vision?
Posted on July 1, 2026 in Healthy You
Struggling to see clearly while driving at night is a common concern that can feel both frustrating and unsafe. From glare and halos to age-related vision changes, several factors can make driving after dark more difficult than daytime travel.
In this Q&A, Dr. Chad Overman, Delta Dental of Iowa’s medical expert for DeltaVision®, shares how you can protect your eyesight and stay safe on the road.
Q: Why does it feel harder to see clearly when driving at night compared to during the day?
Dr. Overman: There are multiple reasons for this. First, there’s less overall light, which reduces contrast and makes it harder to see objects clearly. On top of that, glare from headlights and streetlights can be distracting or even blinding for a few moments.
Your eyes may also be more sensitive to light at night, especially if you’re tired or dealing with dry eyes. Fatigue slows how quickly your eyes adjust to changing light conditions, while dryness can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. And if your glasses or contact lens prescription isn’t up to date, you’ll likely notice vision problems more at night than during the day.
Q: What causes glare and halos around headlights and streetlights at night?
Dr. Overman: Glare and halos often happen when light entering the eye scatters instead of focusing properly. This can be due to an outdated or incorrect prescription, but it can also be caused by changes inside the eye itself. For example, cataracts (which is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens) can cause incoming light to scatter, leading to halos or starbursts around lights. Modern headlights, especially bright LED or halogen lights, can also worsen the problem, even in otherwise healthy eyes.
Q: At what point does nighttime glare become a sign of a more serious issue, like cataracts?
Dr. Overman: Some level of glare is normal, especially with today’s brighter headlights. But it becomes more concerning when it starts to affect your daily life. If you find yourself avoiding driving at night, feeling unsafe behind the wheel or noticing that glare is getting worse over time, it’s worth getting your eyes checked. Cataracts usually form in our late 50s to early 60s, but anytime the glare is changing your lifestyle or comfortability with driving, I consider it serious.
Q: How do cataracts affect night vision, and what symptoms should patients watch for?
Dr. Overman: Cataracts cause light rays to be interrupted and scatter. If you see a star-like pattern around car lights that do not change when you blink, you may have started to develop cataracts. You may also notice increased glare, dimmer vision or difficulty seeing road signs. If these symptoms don’t go away, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam.
Q: Besides cataracts, what other eye conditions may make night driving more difficult?
Dr. Overman: Several other conditions can impact your ability to see well at night. Dry eye is a big one, and it can cause fluctuating or blurry vision, especially in low-light conditions. More serious conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can also reduce your visual clarity and peripheral vision, which are important for safe driving.
Q: Can an updated eyeglass or contact lens prescription improve night driving vision?
Dr. Overman: Yes, if you do not have the correct prescription, you may have more trouble driving at night than during the day. Wearing the wrong prescription can lead to more blur, halos or eye strain after dark.
Q: What types of lens coatings or features are most helpful for reducing glare at night?
Dr. Overman: Anti-reflective (AR) coating is typically the best coating to help with driving at night. It reduces reflections on your lenses, allowing more light to pass through and improving clarity. This can make a big difference when dealing with headlights and streetlights, helping reduce glare.
Q: Are over-the-counter “night driving glasses” effective, or should patients be cautious?
Dr. Overman: It’s best to be cautious with over-the-counter night driving glasses. While they’re often marketed as reducing glare, they don’t address underlying vision issues like an incorrect prescription or eye health conditions. A solution from your eye doctor is usually a better option.
Q: What lifestyle habits or eye care routines help maintain good vision for safe night driving?
Dr. Overman: Regular comprehensive eye exams are key to catching changes early. Avoiding smoking helps your overall eye health and managing dry eyes by blinking regularly or using artificial tears, if recommended, can improve comfort and clarity.
Outside of your eyes, don’t overlook your environment: Keep your windshield clean, replace worn wiper blades and dim your dashboard lights to reduce reflections. When driving, try not to look directly at oncoming headlights.
Q: When should someone see an eye doctor about changes in their night vision?
Dr. Overman: If you feel unsafe driving at night or notice that your vision has changed, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Don’t wait until it becomes a serious risk. A quick visit with your eye specialist can reveal whether the issue is something simple, like a prescription update, or a sign of a more significant eye condition.
Q: Is there anything else people should know about night driving vision?
Dr. Overman: Age plays a bigger role than many people realize. As we get older, our eyes naturally change. Tear production can decrease, leading to dryness. Our pupils become smaller, letting in less light. And the cells in our retina that help us see in low light (called rods) become less sensitive.
Fatigue also matters. Tired eyes don’t adjust as quickly to darkness or glare. So, if you’re planning to drive at night, being well-rested can make a real difference in how clearly and comfortably you see.