It’s hard to believe another season is fast approaching. As the days grow shorter and nights longer with the arrival of fall, many older adults find themselves facing the challenge of driving in the dark more frequently. Night driving can be daunting, especially for those who experience age-related vision changes. When you are driving at night, depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark, and the glare of headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver. These are some common issues all drivers face, but in particular older adults are more challenged due to vision changes.

Understanding Age-Related Vision Changes

According to the American Optometric Association, “If you are 60 or older, driving a car may be increasingly difficult. Age-related vision changes and eye diseases can negatively affect your driving abilities, even before you are aware of symptoms. Some age-related vision changes that commonly affect seniors’ driving are:

• Not being able to see road signs as clearly.
• Difficulty seeing objects up close, like the car instrument panel or road maps.
• Difficulty judging distances and speed.
• Changes in color perception.
• Problems seeing in low light or at night.
• Difficulty adapting to bright sunlight or glare from headlights.
• Experiencing a loss of side vision.

What Changes In Our Eyesight

As we age, our eyes undergo several changes that can affect our ability to see well at night.

• Reduced Pupil Size: The pupils become smaller and less responsive to changes in light, making it harder to see in low-light conditions.
• Decreased Night Vision: The rods in our eyes, which are responsible for seeing in dim light, become less effective with age.
• Increased Sensitivity to Glare: Older adults often experience more difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, and reflective surfaces.
• Cataracts: The development of cataracts can cause vision to become cloudy or blurry, making night driving particularly challenging.

Tips for Safe Night Driving

While these changes are a natural part of aging, there are several strategies older adults can take to improve their night driving experience:

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams – Regular comprehensive eye exams are important for monitoring changes in vision and updating prescriptions. Ensure that your eyewear is optimized for night driving, and ask the doctors at Bissell Eye Care about anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare.
• Use Proper Lighting – Ensure that your vehicle’s headlights are clean and properly aligned. Consider upgrading to high-intensity discharge (HID) or LED headlights for better illumination. Inside the car, keep the dashboard lights dim to reduce glare.
• Minimize Glare – Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights and use the road’s right edge as a guide. Wearing polarized sunglasses during the day can help reduce overall light sensitivity at night.
• Take It Slow – Reducing speed can help compensate for decreased visibility and reaction time. This gives you more time to spot and react to potential hazards on the road.
• Avoid Driving After Dark – Whenever possible, try to schedule outings during daylight hours. If you must drive at night, plan your route in advance and choose well-lit roads.
• Keep Your Windshield Clean – A clean windshield can significantly reduce glare and improve visibility. Make it a habit to clean your windshield inside and out regularly.
• Consider Vision Aids – Special lenses designed for night driving, often referred to as “night driving glasses,” may help. These typically have a yellow tint and anti-glare coating, but it’s essential to consult with your optometrist to see if they’re suitable for you.
• Stay Alert – Fatigue can further impair night vision. Make sure you’re well-rested before driving at night and take breaks if you’re driving for an extended period.

If you are unsure of where to find a free ride, PennDOT developed an online tool called Find My Ride that allows older drivers to access free ride services online. This free transportation program allows citizens aged 65 or older to ride for free on a local, fixed-route service whenever local public transportation is operating. During FY 2022-23, there were more than 2.2 million Senior Shared Rides.  To learn more, visit: findmyride.penndot.pa.gov.

If you find that night driving is becoming increasingly difficult or unsafe, it may be time to consult with the doctors at Bissell Eye Care. In some cases, underlying conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration could be contributing to the issue. Our doctors can provide tailored advice, recommend vision aids, or suggest medical interventions if necessary. Night driving doesn’t have to be a daunting task as you age. By understanding the changes in your vision and taking proactive steps to address them, you can maintain your independence and continue to drive safely. For questions or concerns regarding night driving or other eye conditions, contact the doctors at Bissell Eye Care at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.