- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 27, 2025
For many drivers, navigating the roads after dark can be challenging. However, for those with astigmatism, night driving can be particularly daunting. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we understand the unique visual challenges that astigmatism presents, especially when it comes to driving at night. This comprehensive guide will explore the relationship between astigmatism and night driving, helping you understand the causes, recognise the symptoms, and discover effective treatments.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that occurs when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye has an irregular shape. Instead of being perfectly round like a football, an astigmatic eye is shaped more like a rugby ball. This irregularity causes light to focus on multiple points in the eye rather than on a single point, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.
How Does Astigmatism Affect Night Driving?
Driving with astigmatism can be challenging at any time of day, but these difficulties are often exacerbated at night. Here’s why:
- Increased Light Sensitivity
People with astigmatism often experience increased sensitivity to light. When driving at night, this can manifest as:
- Glare from oncoming headlights: Bright lights may appear to have a ‘starburst’ effect or be surrounded by halos.
- Difficulty distinguishing traffic lights: The colours of traffic signals may blur together or appear less distinct.
- Streaking of light sources: Streetlights and other illuminated signs may seem to have ‘tails’ or streaks extending from them.
- Reduced Depth Perception
Astigmatism can affect depth perception, making it harder to judge distances accurately. This can be particularly problematic when trying to gauge the distance between your vehicle and others on the road.
- Overall Blurred Vision
The general blurriness associated with astigmatism becomes more pronounced in low-light conditions, making it harder to read road signs or identify potential hazards.
Recognising the Symptoms of Astigmatism While Driving at Night
If you experience any of the following symptoms while driving at night, you may have astigmatism:
- Squinting or straining to see clearly
- Frequent headaches, especially after night driving
- Difficulty reading road signs until you’re very close to them
- Feeling more fatigued than usual after driving at night
- Noticing that oncoming headlights seem excessively bright or have a ‘starburst’ effect
- Having trouble distinguishing between objects in the distance
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we offer several advanced treatment options for astigmatism, each tailored to meet individual needs and preferences:
Laser eye surgery is a highly effective option for correcting astigmatism. Procedures such as LASIK or SMILE can reshape the cornea permanently, correcting astigmatism and reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. These procedures are particularly suitable for patients with mild to moderate astigmatism and offer quick recovery times.
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is an excellent alternative for those with higher degrees of astigmatism or those who may not be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. This procedure involves implanting a special lens inside the eye to correct vision. The EVO Visian Toric ICL is specifically designed to treat near-sightedness with astigmatism between 1.0 D and 4.0 D.
Also known as Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), this procedure is identical to modern cataract surgery but is performed with the main aim of increasing freedom from glasses. It’s often preferred for patients in the retirement age group. During RLE, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Toric IOLs can be used to correct astigmatism along with other refractive errors.
Each of these treatment options has its own benefits and considerations. The most suitable procedure for you will depend on various factors, including the degree of your astigmatism, your age, and overall eye health. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, our expert ophthalmologists will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your lifestyle needs to recommend the best treatment path for your unique situation.
Tips for Driving at Night with Astigmatism
While seeking professional treatment is crucial, there are several strategies you can employ to make driving at night with astigmatism safer and more comfortable:
- Ensure your prescription is up to date: Regular eye exams at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic can help ensure your vision correction is optimal.
- Keep your windscreen clean: A dirty windscreen can exacerbate the effects of glare and light streaking.
- Adjust your mirrors: Properly aligned mirrors can help reduce glare from vehicles behind you.
- Use night driving glasses: Specialised glasses with yellow-tinted lenses can help reduce glare and improve contrast.
- Take regular breaks: If you’re on a long journey, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and reduce fatigue.
- Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights: Instead, focus on the left side of the road to guide your steering.
- Reduce speed: Driving more slowly gives you more time to react to potential hazards.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, our experienced team can provide a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose astigmatism and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.
Don’t let astigmatism compromise your safety on the road. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can significantly improve your night driving experience and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Astigmatism and driving at night can be a challenging combination, but with the right knowledge and treatment, it doesn’t have to limit your mobility or compromise your safety. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we’re committed to providing top-quality eye care and innovative solutions to help you see clearly, day and night.
If you’re struggling with night driving or suspect you might have astigmatism, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. Our team of expert ophthalmologists in London is ready to help you achieve optimal vision and regain confidence behind the wheel, no matter the time of day.
Remember, clear vision is not just a luxury – it’s a crucial aspect of safe driving. Take the first step towards better night vision today with Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic.