Headlight glare when driving at night is often caused by an outdated prescription, uncorrected astigmatism, dry eye or early cataracts. Some glare is normal, but glare that is getting worse, causes halos or starbursts, or makes night driving stressful is worth checking. A comprehensive eye exam at Lucent Family Eye Care in Vancouver can find the cause and recommend the right solution, from updated lenses to treatment.
Is It Normal to See Glare Around Lights at Night?
Some glare at night is normal. In low light, your pupils widen to let in more light, which also lets in more scattered light from oncoming headlights. Brighter LED and high-intensity headlights can make this more noticeable, especially on rainy Vancouver nights when wet roads and windshields reflect light.
However, glare that is increasing, that causes halos or starbursts, or that takes a long time to recover from can point to a vision or eye health issue that an eye exam can identify.
Some glare at night is normal
In low light, your pupils widen to let in more light
Halos or starbursts
can point to a vision or eye health issue that an eye exam can identify
Common Causes of Headlight Glare
An Outdated Prescription
Even a small change in your prescription can make lights look blurry or stretched at night, when your pupils are larger. Mild nearsightedness that seems fine during the day can become obvious after dark.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens is shaped unevenly, so light focuses at more than one point. It often makes headlights and streetlights look streaked or starry. Accurate correction can make a noticeable difference.
Dry Eye
An unstable tear film scatters light across the eye surface and can blur vision between blinks. Dry eye glare often gets worse on long drives, when you blink less and the car heater is running. Learn about dry eye treatment in Vancouver.
Cataracts
As the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy with age, it scatters light and causes glare and halos, especially at night. Glare is often one of the first signs. Read about cataract warning signs.
Dirty, Scratched or Uncoated Lenses
Scratches, smudges and reflections on your glasses can create extra glare. Lenses without an anti-reflective coating reflect more light back into your eyes.
After LASIK or PRK
Some people notice halos or glare after laser vision correction, especially in the early recovery period. We provide LASIK and PRK co-management to monitor healing and vision.
Retina and Optic Nerve Changes
Less commonly, changes in the retina or macula can affect contrast and how quickly your eyes recover from bright light. Retinal imaging helps rule these out.
What an Eye Exam Can Check for Night Driving Glare
At Lucent Family Eye Care, Dr. Linda Yee and our associate doctors look at every part of the eye that can affect night vision:
- Refraction to check for prescription changes and astigmatism
- A slit lamp exam to look for early cataracts and other changes in the front of the eye
- Tear film testing to see whether dry eye is scattering light
- Optomap and OCT imaging to check the retina, macula and optic nerve. Learn more about the OCT eye scan
- A review of your current glasses to check lens condition, coatings and fit
You will leave knowing what is causing the glare and what can help.
How to Reduce Headlight Glare When Driving at Night
- Keep your prescription up to date with regular eye exams
- Choose lenses with a quality anti-reflective coating to reduce reflections
- Keep your glasses and both sides of your windshield clean
- Look slightly toward the right edge of the road, rather than directly at oncoming headlights
- Use lubricating drops before long drives if your optometrist recommends them
- Check that your own headlights are clean and properly aimed
Explore our prescription lens options, including anti-reflective coatings.
Do Night Driving Glasses Work?
Yellow-tinted night driving glasses are widely sold, but tinted lenses reduce the total amount of light reaching your eyes, which can make it harder to see in the dark. For most people, a current prescription with a good anti-reflective coating is a better choice. If you are unsure, our licensed opticians can show you the difference.
When to Book an Eye Exam
Book an exam if headlight glare is getting worse, if you see halos or starbursts, if you avoid driving at night, or if it has been more than one to two years since your last check. Adults 65 and older should have an eye exam every year. If you notice sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters or a shadow in your vision, seek urgent eye care the same day.
Book an Eye Exam in Vancouver
Clear, comfortable night vision makes driving safer for everyone. Visit us at 612 West 58th Avenue in Marpole, minutes from Oakridge, Kerrisdale, South Vancouver and Richmond. Book an eye exam online, or call or text 604-777-7579.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce glare from headlights while driving at night?
Keep your prescription current, choose lenses with an anti-reflective coating, keep your glasses and windshield clean, and avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. An eye exam can check for causes such as astigmatism, dry eye or cataracts.
What does astigmatism look like when driving at night?
Astigmatism often makes headlights and streetlights look streaked, starry or blurred, and can create halos around lights. Accurate glasses or contact lenses usually improve it.
Is it normal to see glare around lights at night?
Some glare is normal because your pupils widen in the dark. Glare that is getting worse, causes halos or starbursts, or makes driving difficult should be checked.
Do night driving glasses with yellow lenses work?
Yellow-tinted glasses reduce the overall light reaching your eyes, which can make night vision worse. A current prescription with an anti-reflective coating is usually more helpful.
Can cataracts cause headlight glare?
Yes. Cataracts scatter light inside the eye and commonly cause glare and halos at night. An eye exam can detect early cataracts.