Vision Artifacts, Starbursts and Night Driving

Uncorrected vision problems are often exasperated at night, causing visual artifacts, halos, starbursts and blurry vision. Our eye doctors at Total Eyecare would like to remind you about common night vision problems and tips for correcting your vision so that you can drive safely at night.

Night Driving Vision Problems and Dangers

As individuals age, their night vision tends to get progressively worse. This can be due to a number of factors, including cataracts, lack of vitamin A and Zinc, Lasik surgery complications and diabetes. Symptoms of night vision problems include seeing halos and starbursts around lights and blurry objects and outlines.

If you have preexisting vision problems, it is important to get your eyes checked regularly. We recommend yearly examinations, but if no vision changes are detected or if you do not have a history of vision problems, you can schedule your eye exams once every 24 months.

Night Driving Tips

If you notice changes in your vision, you should immediately schedule an appointment with one of our Elko eye doctors for a complete eye examination. Many eye diseases do not show any symptoms until they are in the late stages, which is why we recommend regular eye exams and eye exams as soon as possible after a vision change is noticed.

Special lenses have been developed for individuals with night blindness or vision trouble at night. The lenses are coated with anti-glare substances that can reduce halos and starbursts.

If you have cataracts, ask our eye doctor if you are a good candidate for surgery. Your cataract obscured lenses can be removed and replaced with safe and effective artificial lenses.

Finally, exercise caution while night driving. When approaching an intersection, where most accidents occur, make sure to slow down and look both ways for oncoming traffic. If the light is red, stop completely and remain vigilant. When the light turns green or it is your turn to go, look both ways again before driving forward.

What steps have you taken to correct your night vision so that you can drive safely?