Night-time driving can impact the way we see on the road, all thanks to the dimness of light- further reducing visibility for conditions like myopia (near sightedness) and hyperopia (far sightedness). The glare from street and head lights can also affect our vision, especially those of us who have astigmatism. Our eyes are our greatest asset on the road, helping us to make decisions, read signs, and physically see who and what is around us to avoid potential hazards. Having good eyesight is a requirement to drive, and without it, can affect our ability to make judgements, and lead to anxiety when on the road. Wearing glasses and contact lenses can both significantly improve driving conditions, making for a safer and less stressful experience.

Benefits of contacts over glasses

There is nothing wrong with wearing glasses when driving, yet there are some added benefits from wearing contacts- similarly to playing sport and exercising. Contact lenses provide a wider and unobstructed peripheral vision which enables you to have a clear view when driving. You do not have to worry about any blind spots caused by the frames of your glasses (only by the blind spots in your mirrors). For glasses without an anti-reflective coating, this may cause glare from nearby lights, making it harder to see. However, wearing contacts does not pose this problem, and delivers clear vision by eliminating the glare of light. The same can be said for toric lenses for astigmatism. These lenses specifically eliminate the layer of light refraction that some glasses may give. Contacts, once adjusted to, also provide a level of comfort that feel like you are barely wearing anything at all, unlike glasses which can cause discomfort. This discomfort can be felt around the ears and nose if worn for extended periods, especially noticeable on long drives. For riders of bikes, contacts enable you to wear protective goggles over your eyes without any hassle.

Tips for wearing contacts while driving

For short distance driving, you should not notice any obvious changes from wearing contacts. However, these tips can still be applied to ensure your eyes are in optimum comfort throughout your journey (day or night).

- Keep your eyes lubricated with contact safe eye drops or rewetting drops: This is especially important for long journeys, as your contacts can absorb moisture from your eyes and cause them to dry out.

- Keep your eyes out of direct contact of the blast from your air conditioner/heater: The flow of air may increase the chance of dry eyes.

- Be mindful of your window if its open: Dust or debris may find its way inside and into your lens causing discomfort, so it is best to only have your window slightly open if necessary.

- Give your contacts a clean before your night drive: Not only does this give your contacts a bit of refreshment if you have been wearing them all day, but by removing any debris that may have accumulated helps to reduce the severity of glare that can worsen by having smudges on your lenses.         

- Ensure your dashboard is well lit, and your windscreen is clean (inside and out): This can reduce light reflections and increase clarity on the road.

- Take regular breaks for long drives: It is no secret that regular breaks are beneficial to our wellbeing and safety. Our eyes will grow tired with or without eyewear, so make sure if your eyes are needing a rest, to remove your lenses safely (following all hygiene practices). When you are ready, put them back in and hit the road again.

Ultimately, contact lenses offer your eyes a freedom to confidently and comfortably see on the road- especially during the night which can be more challenging. Thankfully with a wide range of available contacts, it makes driving a whole lot clearer. As always, be mindful of the above tips which can help to make your night-time driving experience with contacts even smoother.