If you are a certain age, you may remember the joys of going out for a family drive on an average Sunday afternoon. This time in the car, with the windows down, could be a nice reprieve from the demands of the week. Today, there aren’t many people who have maintained this past time. However, we do spend a fair amount of time on the road. For that reason, it is important to address the issue of glare and how to reduce it when driving. Here are a few suggestions:
- Clean the windshield – inside and out. The outside surface is what usually gets all the attention and, sometimes, it gets tiny. If your average car cleaning involves spraying your windshield and using the windshield wipers, be sure to change those wipers once or twice each year. Otherwise, they won’t work well for you. Wipers, even if they are not used often, will degrade over time simply due to exposure to the elements.
- Headlights need to achieve the perfect balance. Too high, and you will blind other drivers. Too small, and your path will not be adequately lit. When headlights get scratched or hazy, glare to oncoming drivers increases. Cleaning and polishing headlights can mean less glare for them, and for you, too, as you travel down the road.
- Prescription glasses. Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is necessary to stay on top of their appropriateness. If your prescription needs updating, handle that right away. Even the slightest inconsistency with your eyewear can make driving more challenging, especially after dark.
Some of the ways that you can make sure your eyes are ready for the road at all times is to see your eye doctor on an annual basis. Also, if you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, do not skimp. Quality lenses can reduce glare, so you see what you need to see when driving. Non-glare treatments can be added to your eyewear to improve how your eyes take in reflection and light. Polarized sunglasses, as well, are highly recommended.
Do you have an eye condition, such as cataracts, that is keeping you from the safest driving or highest quality of life? Call Amarillo ophthalmologist Dr. Murrell at 806-351-1177.