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Author: Anna Barden
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a type of refractive error that makes objects appear blurry from any given distance. The blurriness occurs because light does not focus properly when it enters the eye. In normal vision, light focuses directly on the retina (light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye). But an eye with astigmatism causes the light to focus in front of or behind the retina. This happens because of the way the cornea or lens is shaped.
A normal eye has a round cornea, resembling the shape of one side of a basketball. This even shape helps to focus light in the eye and provide clear images. But, typically, with astigmatism, the cornea is irregularly shaped, similar to the uneven curvature of a football, producing a distorted image.
You’ve probably heard of other refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, which makes things blurry from afar. Or farsightedness, which makes things hard to see up close. These also have to do with light incorrectly focusing in the eye. But unlike nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism makes it difficult to see at any distance.
In addition to distorted images, astigmatism can cause symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and blurry vision. It can also make it tough to focus in dark environments. Here are a few examples of the challenges one may face, especially at night, due to uncorrected astigmatism.
What People with Astigmatism See at Night
There is a bit of difference when it comes to astigmatism at night vs normal vision at night. At night, symptoms of astigmatism can become more pronounced. People with uncorrected astigmatism may see halos around lights, distortion, and excessive glare. Their usual astigmatism symptoms during the day can also be heightened in dark environments as the contrast increases between light and dark. Once astigmatism is corrected, these symptoms are typically reduced or eliminated. But some minor visual disturbances might still occur, especially in low-light conditions.
What do lights look like with astigmatism?
It can be irritating for anyone to encounter bright headlights or signage while driving at night. But for those with uncorrected astigmatism, these lights can cause more discomfort or pain. Very bright lights can even be dangerous for the driver, as they can distort the scene before them. Wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses that correct for astigmatism can help these symptoms and improve night vision.
“Astigmatism lights” refer to the way a person with uncorrected astigmatism may see illuminated objects at night. Some features include:
- Halos around the source of light
- Lines shining through the center of the light source
- Excessive glare from headlights, streetlights, or signs
- A blurred or distorted appearance
Driving at night with astigmatism can intensify your everyday symptoms. You might experience elevated eye strain or feel the need to squint even more.
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7 Pointers for Night Driving with Astigmatism
All drivers should use caution when driving at night, whether they have a vision problem or not. Dim environments greatly limit visibility on the road, which can pose a threat to you, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. It can also interfere with your reaction time if you need to quickly avoid a road hazard of any kind.
Driving with uncorrected astigmatism at night can be even more of a challenge (and risk). It can also be frustrating and uncomfortable. For the safest experience, we recommend the following tips:
1. Ensure Your Prescriptions are Current
Incorrect prescriptions can do more harm than good, especially when your condition already makes it difficult to see at night. Glasses for astigmatism at night may be preferred by some over contact lenses. But specialized contact lenses that correct astigmatism, called toric lenses, can also be very effective for correcting astigmatism. In addition, anti-glare lens coatings can be beneficial.
2. Schedule Annual Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are the best way to catch any changes in your vision and update your prescriptions as needed. They are also crucial to maintaining your overall eye health since night driving often isn’t the only concern for many people.
3. Call Your Doctor About Vision Changes
If you start to have trouble driving or seeing at night, you should make an appointment to have your vision checked. You may need new or additional treatment for your eye condition.
Simply updating your eyeglasses prescription can be a big help for driving at night.
4. Keep Your Windows, Windshield, Mirrors, and Headlights Clean
It may sound obvious, but cleaning the windows, windshield, and mirrors on your car can help you see better. Dirt, fog, smudges, and streaks on any of these surfaces can interrupt your line of vision and make things both irritating and dangerous to navigate behind the wheel.
Cleaning your headlights is also a good idea. Dirty headlights can dim the road ahead of you even more, which can prevent you from seeing hazards, pedestrians, or animals on your route.
To avoid as many blurry lights as possible, don’t forget to clean your eyeglass lenses, too.
5. Adjust Your Rearview Mirror
Did you know rearview mirrors have a “night mode?” The small lever on the bottom of your rearview mirror has a default position for driving during the day. But it can be pushed forward (towards your windshield) to create a dimmer view when you drive at night.
This feature helps eliminate glare from bright headlights, signs, and other distracting lights on the road behind you. And that can be a big help to people with astigmatism. (Just remember to return the lever to its default “daytime” position during the day.)
Note: Some cars may not have a lever on the rearview mirror. If this is the case, your rearview mirror may adjust automatically to accommodate darker settings.
6. Consider Cataract Surgery If Your Doctor Recommends It
Cataracts (a clouding of your eye’s lens) can occur as you get older, affecting many people around age 60. Your vision can become more blurry or sensitive to light as they begin to affect you. You may also struggle with night vision when you have cataracts. If you also have astigmatism, night driving can be a serious challenge.
However, cataracts can be removed through surgery. This approach involves taking out a cloudy lens and restoring it with a clear (artificial) lens. Doing so can provide clearer vision (at least on one front), which can reduce the discomfort and stress that comes with night vision.
7. Take Familiar Routes
If possible, limit your driving to daylight hours. This can ease night driving anxiety and potential dangers. If you’re comfortable driving on dim streets, try to stick to the roads you know very well.
Still, road hazards can appear unexpectedly even on the most familiar roads. Remember that driving with poor vision can be dangerous for you and the drivers around you. Avoid a risky trip whenever possible to prevent accidents.
If You See “Astigmatism Lights” When Driving at Night
Astigmatism affects everyone differently, so the best way to correct your vision is by seeing your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can prescribe glasses or contact lenses that help these symptoms and improve night vision.
