Here at Aiken Ophthalmology, we are all about keeping our patients safe, whether they’re in our office or driving around the city. Road safety and vision go hand in hand – vision impaired driving can be extremely dangerous. Road glare is often blamed for accidents, as drivers can be temporarily blinded when facing directly into the sun. Given that, it is very important to find the proper glasses for driving.
When looking for the perfect glasses, keep in mind these two key concepts: your vision must remain clear and sufficient light should still be able to get to your eyes. If you already own a pair of sunglasses (or a few), the proper sunglasses for driving may be different from the ones you have – for clarification on this, you can come to our office and talk to us about it! As stated on our website, sunglasses prevent eye damage from harmful UV rays, which could eventually cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness.
We sell both prescription glasses and sunglasses to fulfill every need for any time of day. While glasses and sun glare while driving is an important topic of discussion, it is also vital to prepare for driving at night and driving in the rain. Although the rain does darken the sky a bit, some still suggest that wearing sunglasses, especially if they’re polarized, will help you see during a downpour. On the other hand, obviously sunglasses are not a good option for driving at night, but there are many types of night-driving glasses with anti-reflective coatings and other helpful benefits.
It is also imperative that you get your eyes checked around every two years – driving safety for the visually impaired is an even more complex topic. Although people who are completely blind are obviously not permitted to drive, some states allow low-vision drivers to get licenses or restricted licenses. This often means that those who are impaired only drive during the day and/or have special modifications on their vehicles for assistance.
Overall, whether you have 20/20 vision or you are visually impaired, it is vital to get your eyes checked and educate yourself on best practices for driving in the sun, at night, and in the rain. Check out our website for more information and call us today to make an appointment!
Cortney Rielly 