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When the Lights Fade: How Vision Affects Safety Behind the Wheel

With the arrival of autumn, the days grow shorter and it gets dark earlier, meaning that many drivers will more often have to deal with driving at dusk or in the dark. Vision plays a crucial role under these conditions and can greatly affect one’s ability to drive safely. Eye problems that may not be noticeable during the day can cause significant difficulties in the evening and at night — one of the most common being so-called night myopia.

Many people find that their vision isn’t as sharp as they’d like when driving in low-light conditions. They struggle to see distant objects clearly, are easily dazzled by the headlights of oncoming cars, and overall feel less confident behind the wheel.

Night Myopia – The Subtle Enemy of Safe Driving

One of the most common problems drivers face under such conditions is so-called night myopia. It is a condition in which vision deteriorates in low-light environments such as dusk or darkness. Night myopia mainly affects people who have good eyesight under normal daylight conditions. However, in dim light their eyes are unable to adapt properly, leading to blurred vision and reduced driving safety.

“Many people don’t even realise they suffer from night myopia until they encounter challenging conditions on the road. Drivers often come to us saying that they see worse at night, even though their vision is perfectly fine during the day,” explains Chief Doctor MUDr. Radan Zugar from Eye Centre Prague.

The Effect of Dusk and Darkness on Vision

In addition to night myopia, there are other factors that can affect vision in low-light and nighttime conditions. One of the main challenges of driving at dusk is reduced contrast sensitivity. The eyes have more difficulty distinguishing objects that blend into a dark background. This can make pedestrians or obstacles on the road less visible, placing greater demands on the driver’s attention. In dim lighting, peripheral vision is also limited, reducing the ability to detect movement or objects at the edge of the visual field — and thus react quickly to unexpected situations.

Glare from oncoming headlights is another common problem when driving at night or in twilight, as it reduces concentration and makes it harder to recognise details in dark surroundings.

“Glare is a deceptive factor that many drivers underestimate, yet its impact on reaction time and the ability to properly assess road situations can be dramatic. When directly exposed to the bright headlights of an oncoming vehicle, temporary glare occurs, causing momentary blindness. As a result, the eyes need several seconds to readjust to the dark environment, which can lead to missing important details such as traffic signs, pedestrians, or other obstacles on the road,” warns Chief Doctor MUDr. Radan Zugar.

How to Prepare for Safe Driving at Dusk

It is essential for anyone who feels their vision worsens in low-light conditions not to hesitate to visit an eye doctor. Early diagnosis and, if necessary, the use of special glasses can significantly reduce the risk of danger behind the wheel.

• Regular eye check-ups: Every driver should have regular eye examinations, especially if they experience difficulties seeing at dusk. “Many people don’t even realise they suffer from night myopia until they find themselves in challenging road conditions,” explains Chief Doctor MUDr. Radan Zugar.

• Frequent breaks and rest: Eye strain and overall fatigue can significantly slow reaction times and reduce concentration on what’s happening on the road. “Tired eyes have more difficulty adapting to changing light conditions, which can lead to even greater vision problems and an increased risk of accidents,” warns Chief Doctor Zugar.

• Glasses with a yellow filter: To improve vision at dusk and at night, glasses with a yellow filter can be recommended. They help enhance contrast and reduce glare. “A yellow filter helps distinguish objects better in low-light conditions and can also significantly reduce eye fatigue,” explains MUDr. Zugar.

  Better Night Vision After Cataract Surgery

  It’s not only glasses with a yellow filter that can help improve vision at dusk. Drivers undergoing cataract surgery can choose special aspheric intraocular lenses that offer better contrast sensitivity and significantly improve vision in low-light and dim conditions.

  “There are intraocular lenses designed to minimise unwanted visual effects such as glare from oncoming headlights — a major benefit for active drivers. That’s why I recommend that drivers in particular consider these advantages when choosing their intraocular lenses,” adds Chief Doctor MUDr. Radan Zugar.

  In conclusion, it’s important to emphasise that during the autumn season, one should not underestimate the importance of proper vision correction. If you feel that your vision at dusk is not ideal, don’t hesitate to consult an eye specialist. Road safety depends not only on the technical condition of your vehicle but also on your ability to see and respond to your surroundings.