Driving at night can make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially on unfamiliar roads. Low light and glare make it harder for your eyes to distinguish contrast and gauge distance. For those driving with cataracts, it can be even more difficult.
Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40. Most cataracts develop as a result of aging, injury and eye conditions, past eye surgeries or medical conditions, like diabetes.
Do’s and Don’ts of driving at night with cataracts
Cataracts in their early stages may not affect your night driving. In fact, you may be able to drive with cataracts at night if no other serious medical problems exist. However, cataracts may worsen over time, which clouds lenses more and makes your vision dull and blurry. Stay safe while night driving with cataracts with these helpful tips:
- Do plan car trips
If you have cataracts it’s important to avoid driving when your vision may be most affected. For example, avoid driving west at dusk or during an evening rainstorm. - Do keep your windshields clean
Clean the inside and outside of both your front and rear windshields often to give your eyes a helping hand. It’s important to do everything you can to ensure you can see clearly. - Do keep your headlights clean
Clean your automobile headlamps regularly to ensure they are as bright as possible for night driving. - Do dim your dashboard
Avoiding unnecessary reflections on the windshield and allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness ahead will help improve nighttime visibility. - Do wear glasses with anti-reflective coating
Glasses with anti-reflective coating stop additional, unnecessary light from reflecting inside your lens, but allow more light to pass through. - Do keep your eyes healthy
Regular checkups with an eye care expert can help keep your eyes healthy. If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, he or she may recommend surgery. - Don’t look at oncoming lights
The glare of headlights can be temporarily blinding; avoid looking directly at oncoming traffic. - Don’t speed
If you experience any issues while driving at night, simply reduce your speed to compensate for limited visibility, reduced reaction time and reduced stopping time. - Don’t allow distractions
Minimize distractions like talking to other passengers or listening to the radio.
If you’re interested in learning how laser cataract surgery can help improve your ability to see clearly while driving at night, call the skilled specialists at Eye Specialists of Louisiana at 225-768-7777 in Baton Rouge, LA.