Night driving glasses: are they helpful or harmful?

Driving at night brings its own challenges: visibility is lower, headlights and streetlights cause glare, and depth perception is weaker. In response, specialised lenses sold as "night driving glasses" (also called night vision glasses or headlight glasses) have become popular. Eye care professionals still debate how well they work and what their drawbacks are. This guide sets out the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Pros of night driving lenses

Reduced glare

Night driving lenses often have anti-glare coatings or a tint designed to cut glare from headlights and streetlights. This can improve visibility and reduce eye strain, especially for people who are sensitive to bright lights.

Better contrast

Some night driving lenses claim to enhance contrast, making it easier to pick out objects in low light. This can help depth perception and overall clarity while driving at night.

Protection from UV rays

Many night driving lenses also block ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and from artificial light sources. Long-term UV exposure can contribute to eye health problems, so this added protection is useful.

Choice of designs

Night driving lenses come in different designs, so you can choose the features that suit your needs. Some are made to your spectacle prescription; others are available as clip-ons or over the counter.

Cons of night driving lenses

Distorted colour perception

Some night driving lenses change how you see colours by filtering out certain wavelengths of light. This can make it harder to judge the colours of traffic signals, signs and hazards accurately, which may compromise safety on the road.

Reduced side vision

Some lens designs, particularly those with a strong tint or coating, may narrow your peripheral (side) vision. That can reduce your awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles, and raise the risk of accidents, especially in busy city traffic.

Dependence on the lenses

Relying too heavily on night driving lenses can leave some drivers feeling less confident at night without them. More importantly, over-reliance on special lenses can hide an underlying vision problem that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cost

Good-quality night driving lenses can be expensive, especially prescription lenses or those with special coatings and materials. That cost may put some people off, particularly if they are unsure the lenses will help.

Tips for safe night driving without special lenses

Have regular eye examinations

Regular eye check-ups make sure your vision is at its best for driving after dark. Treating an underlying problem such as a refractive error (a need for glasses) or a cataract can improve night-time vision without any special lenses. If glare, halos or blurred vision at night are new or getting worse, have your eyes examined.

Keep the windscreen and mirrors clean

Clean your windscreen, mirrors and headlights regularly. Dirty surfaces scatter light, increase glare and reduce clarity, especially in low light.

Use your car's lighting sensibly

Adjust the interior lighting to reduce glare and reflections on your glasses. Dim the dashboard lights, and avoid using high beam in traffic so that you don't dazzle other drivers.

Stay focused

Avoid distractions such as phones or adjusting controls while driving at night. Keep your attention on the road ahead, scan for hazards and drive defensively for your own safety and that of others.

The bottom line

Whether night driving lenses are helpful or harmful is still debated among eye care professionals and drivers. They can reduce glare and improve contrast, but they may also distort colours and narrow your side vision. The right choice depends on your eyes, your visual needs and the conditions you drive in. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and talk to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) before buying special lenses for night driving. Difficulty seeing at night can also be a sign of night blindness, which has causes that can be treated.