night time traffic on a highway with blurred tail gate lights from poor vision - safe night driving

Navigating Night Driving: A Guide for Older Adults as Fall Approaches

by ArticlesBlog

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.

night vision - Two deer crossing the road at dawn

Safety at Sunset – Fall Driving Tips

by ArticlesBlog

Fall is a season of stunning foliage, cooler temperatures, and cozy evenings. However, as the days grow shorter, many drivers find themselves contending with decreased visibility and increased accident risks when driving at night. For older adults, who may already face certain challenges when it comes to driving, this shift in lighting conditions can be particularly challenging.

 

Understanding the Challenges of Fall Night Driving

  • Decreased Visibility: As autumn sets in, daylight hours become shorter, and the transition from dusk to darkness occurs earlier in the evening. This reduced visibility can make it challenging to spot obstacles, pedestrians, or wildlife on the road. The combination of twilight conditions and falling leaves can further hinder your ability to see clearly.
  • Glare from Wet Roads: Fall often brings rain showers and wet road conditions. When headlights from oncoming traffic interact with rain-slicked streets, it can create blinding glare. This glare can temporarily impair your vision and make it difficult to maintain focus. Fallen leaves can be as slick as ice when it rains and hide potholes and pavement markings making it difficult to see.
  • Increased Wildlife Activity: Fall is mating and migration season for many animals, which can lead to increased wildlife activity on roadways. Many deer are more active during this time, posing a significant collision risk for drivers. These animals are often more active during dawn and dusk, adding to the danger of fall night driving.

 

Safety Tips for Fall Night Driving

  • Check Lights and Tires: Ensure that all your vehicle’s lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) are in working order. Clean the lenses regularly to remove dirt and grime that can reduce their effectiveness. Consider upgrading to brighter, more energy-efficient LED bulbs for better illumination. Check your tires’ air pressure to maintain the correct pressure as the temperature drops.
  • Adjust Your Speed: Reduce your speed when driving at night in fall, especially in areas prone to wildlife crossings. Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected obstacles and reduces the severity of accidents.
  • Keep Windshield and Mirrors Clean: Clean your windshield and mirrors inside and out to minimize glare from oncoming headlights and the reflection of dashboard lights. A clean windshield also improves overall visibility.
  • Use Your High Beams Wisely: Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic but be sure to switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles. This will help reduce glare for both you and other drivers.
  • Stay Alert and Focused: Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Pay close attention to the road and scan for movement or reflective eyes along the roadside, which may indicate the presence of wildlife.
  • Be Prepared for Sudden Stops: Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, allowing ample space for sudden stops. Wet leaves on the road can decrease your stopping power.
  • Watch for Fog: Fall often brings foggy conditions, especially in low-lying areas. Slow down and use your low beams when driving in fog to improve visibility.
  • Avoid Fatigue: Night driving can be more tiring than daytime driving. Make sure you are well-rested before embarking on a long journey and consider taking breaks to stay alert.

 

Ways to Avoid Accidents

  • Limit Distractions: Avoid using your phone or any other distractions while driving. Stay focused on the road.
  • Adaptive Driving Technologies: Consider vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive headlights and collision avoidance systems, which can be particularly helpful for older adults.
  • Drive at a Comfortable Speed: Don’t feel pressured to drive at the speed limit if it doesn’t feel safe. Driving at a comfortable speed for your visibility and reaction time is more important.
  • Stay Informed: Check the weather and road conditions before heading out. Be aware of any animal crossing areas and adjust your driving accordingly.

Fall may bring stunning scenery and cool weather, but it also comes with challenges for drivers and particularly older adults who drive during the early dusk hours. By following the safety tips and being aware of the potential risks, all drivers can enjoy their independence while staying safe on the roads. Remember, being cautious and prepared is the key to a smooth and secure Autumn driving experience.

If you have any questions or concerns about your vision and night driving give one of our Bissell Eye Care offices a call at 724-444-6767 or 724-226-0444.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR NIGHT DRIVING

by ArticlesBlog

 

Driving on an asphalt road towards the headlights

Have you noticed dusk starting to come earlier in the evening? Are you among those that don’t see as well when driving at night? Did you know that 9 of every 10 decisions you make behind the wheel are based on what you see?

It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 or 60. The ability to drive represents a sense of freedom for adults of all ages. But, as we get older, changes to the body and mind can make driving increasingly difficult. Night vision worsens with age due to a number of factors: pupil size, retinal changes, and cataracts.

Pupils shrink and don’t dilate as much in the dark as we age, reducing the amount of light entering the eye. Smaller pupils limit the amount of light that reaches the back of the eye called the retina. Because the retina of an 80-year-old receives far less light than the retina of a 20-year-old, it can seem like you are wearing dark sunglasses at night.

Rods and cones are contained in the retina. We depend on the cones for color vision and reading small print while the rods are critical for seeing in low light. As time goes on, we have fewer and fewer rods and they take longer to adjust to dark environments.

Cataracts are caused by a clouding of the lens in the front part of the eye. This causes the light entering your eye to be dimmed and blurred making it harder to see at night.

We can’t change the aging process so what steps can be taken to ensure safe nighttime driving?

  • Avoid driving on dark rainy nights.
  • Keep windshields clean inside and out.
  • Help drivers see you in twilight by turning your headlights on before sunset and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise.
  • Allow more time for your own journey, so you’re not driving under pressure.
  • Avoid looking directly at approaching vehicles at night, even when their lights are dimmed.
  • Have regular eye exams to check for such things as cataracts that can cause nighttime vision loss.

Avoid driving along at 50 mph, dropping to 40 mph when there’s oncoming traffic and then speeding up again. It makes it very confusing for drivers traveling behind you. It’s better to aim for a speed you can maintain such as 45 mph and sticking to it, even if there are times you could go faster.

Be proactive in taking care of your health and be safe on the road. Be honest with yourself. If a driving situation makes you uncomfortable, don’t do it. Many older drivers voluntarily begin to make changes in their driving practices. If fast-moving traffic bothers you, consider staying off freeways, highways, and find street routes instead. You may also decide to avoid driving in bad weather (rain, thunderstorms, snow, hail, ice). If you are going to a place that is unfamiliar to you, it is a good idea to plan your route before you leave so that you feel more confident and avoid getting lost.

If friends or relatives are concerned about your driving ability – it may be time to take a hard look at your safety and the safety of others.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.

SHORTER DAYS AND LONGER NIGHTS

by ArticlesBlog

As the leaves begin to change and the beautiful colors start to appear, it also becomes apparent that days are growing shorter and the nights are getting longer. For some Americans this means that they may struggle to see – particularly at night.

If you find you are becoming afraid to hit the road after dark because you struggle to see, now is the time to let your eye doctor know. The answer may be as simple as a pair of glasses, or it may mean that you need to get your cataracts taken care of. In any case, it is important to speak with your eye doctor to make sure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue.

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of night vision problems. As you age, cells grow and die behind your pupil. When the debris from dead cells builds up, it starts to cloud your vision. While cataracts are not painful they do make it difficult to see, especially at night. Cataracts are easily treatable and once removed you will find your night vision improves but also your vision in general may change.

A lack of Vitamin A may also be a reason for struggling with night vision. Vitamin A is found in carrots and leafy vegetables. It helps to keep the retina, the back of your eye where images are focused, healthy. Many Americans get enough vitamin A in their regular diet – that’s one of the reasons we always talk about a well-balanced diet. However, those with health problems such as celiac, gastric bypass or Crohn’s disease, may have problems absorbing the nutrients they need.

If you have recently been on a beach vacation, you might feel as though your vision is worse at night. This is more than likely correct as sustained bright sunlight can worsen night vision for up to two days. One way to avoid this is to wear sunglasses with UV protection. The wrap around style is best.

Regardless of why you suffer night vision loss, it is always a good idea to consult your eye doctor. While some forms of night vision loss may be permanent, there are several kinds that are treatable. If you do have difficulty seeing at night, be sure to clean your car windows and headlights before heading out for a night drive. As the leaves begin to fall, also remember the pavement becomes slippery when wet so give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

If you have questions about night driving or any other vision related issue, give our office a call at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.