'Headlight dazzle' message for any driver struggling with 'bright' glare at night

'Headlight dazzle' message for any driver struggling with 'bright' glare at night Experts say modern LED headlights can make glare feel more intense at night, but they may also be making existing visual problems more noticeable If you've noticed yourself squinting at oncoming headlights, struggling to see clearly after a car passes, or feeling less confident behind the wheel after dark than you once did, experts suggest it may be time to look beyond the headlights themselves. With modern LED headlights emitting a brighter, whiter light than older halogen bulbs, a growing number of motorists are finding themselves increasingly dazzled when driving at night. Research by the RAC has revealed that 35% of drivers affected by headlight dazzle report being temporarily blinded. However, eye specialists warn that while these newer headlights can make glare feel more intense, they may also bring existing visual problems to the fore. These include those linked to common eye conditions such as cataracts, astigmatism, reduced night vision and outdated prescriptions. A study by Feel Good Contacts found that more than 14 million UK licence holders require eyesight correction to drive, and experts are urging motorists not to brush aside persistent difficulties when driving at night. In certain cases, drivers diagnosed with specific eye conditions may be required to notify the DVLA, with those who fail to do so risking a fine of up to £1,000. With this in mind, Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts, sheds light on why some drivers struggle more with headlight glare than others. She has also outlined the warning signs that could indicate an underlying eye condition, and what motorists can do to boost their visibility after dark, reports Yorkshire Live. Tina said: "Many drivers feel that headlights have become brighter in recent years, particularly with the widespread use of LED lighting. While these lights can cause temporary dazzle for anyone, certain eye conditions can make the effect feel significantly worse. "Cataracts are one of the most common causes of increased sensitivity to glare because clouding of the eye's natural lens causes light to scatter more than normal. Astigmatism can make headlights appear streaky or star-shaped, while an outdated prescription or uncorrected short-sightedness (myopia) may make it harder to focus clearly on the road after dark. "Reduced night vision can also make it more difficult for the eyes to adapt between darkness and bright light, meaning drivers may take longer to recover after being dazzled by oncoming traffic. If changes to your vision are making driving after dark more difficult than it used to be, it's important not to ignore it. Identifying the cause early can help improve both comfort and safety on the road." Rod Dennis RAC senior policy officer said: "A year ago, an independent study on headlight glare, commissioned by the UK Government after pressure from the RAC and others, confirmed that some brighter modern headlights are more likely to cause glare to drivers. Further UK research is expected to get underway shortly after a commitment made in January’s Road Safety Strategy, and work continues at an international level where regulations for future vehicles are agreed upon." Six signs headlight glare could be exposing an eye problem Headlights look like halos, streaks or starbursts Tina noted that experiencing some glare around headlights at night is perfectly normal. However, if the lights consistently appear stretched, blurred, or encircled by halos, this could indicate that light is failing to focus properly within the eye. She said: "This can happen when your prescription is out of date, your lenses are smeared or your eyes are dry. Uncorrected short-sightedness can also make it harder to see clearly in the distance, which may make night driving feel more difficult." You feel temporarily blinded after oncoming headlights Bright headlights can briefly overwhelm the eyes, particularly on unlit roads where your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, the optician explained. "The concern is when your eyes take longer than expected to recover, causing you to temporarily lose sight of the road, lane markings, pedestrians or cyclists, even for a short time. A few seconds may not sound long, but at driving speed it can make a real difference to how quickly you react," she said. Rainy night roads feel much harder to read Wet roads can make headlight dazzle considerably worse as light bounces off puddles, road markings, windscreens and mirrors. Tina explains that this is why glare can feel particularly harsh during or after rainfall. Rather than contending with a single bright light source, your eyes may be faced with numerous reflections simultaneously, making it far more difficult to make out kerbs, lane markings, cyclists or pedestrians. You find yourself squinting, looking away or slowing down more than usual "Squinting is often a sign your eyes are trying to reduce the amount of scattered light entering them. Looking briefly towards the left-hand side of your lane can help you avoid staring directly into oncoming headlights, but you still need to keep your attention on the road ahead," Tina said. If you frequently find yourself slowing down, tensing up or steering clear of certain roads due to glare, don't simply put it down to modern headlights. Your eyes may well need some support too, she added. Your eyes feel dry, gritty or tired during night drives She said: "Dry eyes can make glare worse because the tear film helps keep the surface of the eye smooth. When it becomes unstable, light can scatter more easily, making headlights look harsher and vision feel less consistent. "This can be more noticeable after a long day of screen use, in heated cars or when air vents are blowing towards the face. If your eyes feel gritty, watery, sore or tired in the evening, dry eye could be contributing to the problem." You've started avoiding night driving altogether Some people gradually stop driving at night without realising how much their confidence has changed, Tina claims. If headlight glare is leading you to avoid night-time journeys, take longer routes, or rely on others to drive, it's worth considering why. In certain instances, struggling to drive at night can be associated with night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, where the eyes struggle to see or adapt properly in low-light conditions. "It may also be influenced by other changes to vision and eye health," she said. What drivers should do before their next night journey Tina says motorists can minimise the effects of glare and remain safer on the roads by taking several precautions. These include: - Wearing any glasses or contact lenses needed to meet the legal eyesight standard for driving. - Making sure the DVLA has up-to-date information about any notifiable eye condition that affects their ability to drive, as failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000. - Cleaning glasses, windscreens, mirrors and camera lenses regularly, as smears and dirt can worsen glare. - Considering anti-reflective coatings on glasses if recommended by an optician. - Avoiding heavily tinted glasses when driving at night, as they reduce the amount of light reaching the eyes. "Good vision is essential for safe driving, particularly after dark. If glare is affecting your confidence behind the wheel or changing the way you drive, it's important to take it seriously rather than dismissing it as an inconvenience," she said.