Struggling with Night Driving? Here’s How to Reduce Glare and Protect Your Vision
- Lifeview Glaucoma Center
- Sep 24, 2025
- 4 min read
Do you find yourself gripping the steering wheel a little tighter when the sun goes down?
Maybe you squint at oncoming headlights, feel blinded by streetlights, or notice halos around every car on the road.
Some people even plan errands or avoid social events just to keep from driving after dark.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things — and you’re definitely not the only one.
Night driving problems are one of the most common reasons patients visit their eye doctor.
And while it can feel like “just part of getting older,” struggling with glare isn’t just annoying. It can make night driving stressful, slow your reaction time, and increase your risk of accidents.
The good news?
There are steps you can take right now to make night driving safer and more comfortable — and it all starts with understanding what’s causing the glare.
Why Night Driving Gets Harder
Ever notice that streetlights look hazy or that headlights seem brighter than they used to?
It’s not just your imagination — your eyes really are working harder at night.
Darkness reduces contrast, sudden bright lights take longer to recover from, and even small vision changes can make the road feel unsafe.
Here are some of the most common reasons night driving becomes a challenge:
Cataracts
Imagine trying to see through a foggy window. Cataracts scatter light inside the eye, causing glare, halos, and blurry vision.
Retinal Issues
Conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy make it harder to see contrast and fine details in low light.
Dry Eyes
When your eyes are dry, light scatters across your cornea, making glare more intense and recovery from headlights slower.
Outdated Prescription
Even a small change in your prescription can make night driving noticeably harder — especially when paired with aging eyes.
If you’ve been thinking, “The road just doesn’t look as clear as it used to,” any of these issues could be the culprit.
Quick Fixes to Reduce Nighttime Glare
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up driving at night just yet.
There are simple, practical changes you can try right now to make things easier and safer.
1. Clean Your View
A dirty windshield or smudged glasses can make glare much worse. Next time you stop for gas, take a moment to clean both the inside and outside of your windshield. You might be surprised how much sharper things look.
2. Adjust Dashboard Brightness
Too much interior light can strain your eyes. Try dimming your dashboard lights so your pupils stay more adapted to the dark. This helps you see the road — and potential hazards — more clearly.
3. Upgrade Your Glasses
Ask your eye doctor about anti-reflective coatings or polarized lenses. These reduce halos and reflections, making headlights far less harsh on your eyes.
4. Look Slightly Away from Headlights
When an oncoming car approaches, shift your gaze slightly to the right side of the road and follow the lane markings. This simple trick keeps you oriented while giving your eyes a break from direct glare.
5. Try Yellow-Tinted Night Glasses
Yellow-tinted lenses can boost contrast and reduce glare temporarily — though they won’t fix the underlying issue.
If you still struggle despite these steps, it’s time to get your eyes checked.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Sometimes no amount of cleaning, dimming, or trick driving helps — and that’s your sign to see an eye doctor.
Make an appointment if:
Night driving feels unsafe or stressful.
You see halos, starbursts, or double vision.
Your prescription is current but you still can’t see clearly.
You have diabetes or a family history of eye conditions like glaucoma.
Early diagnosis is key — cataracts can often be treated with surgery, dry eye can be managed, and retinal problems can be treated before they cause permanent vision loss.
How Lifeview Glaucoma Center Can Help
At Lifeview Glaucoma Center, we know how frustrating night glare can be — and how much it impacts your daily life. Our goal is to get you back to safe, confident driving with clear, comfortable vision.
Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Eye Exams – We check for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal changes, and other causes of glare so nothing gets overlooked.
Advanced Imaging & Testing – We use state-of-the-art technology to catch problems early, before they affect your independence.
Personalized Treatment Plans – Whether you need a simple prescription update, treatment for dry eyes, or a plan for cataract surgery, we tailor care to your needs.
Ongoing Monitoring – Because your eyes change over time, we keep track of your vision so you stay confident behind the wheel.
Take the Next Step!
Don’t wait until you stop driving at night completely.
Schedule an appointment with Lifeview Glaucoma Center today and take the first step toward clearer, safer night vision.
Night glare doesn’t have to be something you “just live with.”
Simple steps like cleaning your windshield, dimming your dashboard, and upgrading your glasses can help — but the real solution is identifying and treating the root cause.
If you’ve been avoiding night driving or feeling anxious every time you hit the road after dark, this is your sign to get your eyes checked.
The right care can restore your confidence, improve your safety, and help you enjoy clear, comfortable night vision again.