Should I see a doctor: Night blindness

You’re driving home from a late dinner with friends when you’re momentarily blinded by the headlights of oncoming traffic. You quickly blink away the bright spots in your vision, but notice that with each passing car it’s getting more difficult to clearly see the road. Then the rain hits, and the glare and bright spots becomes even brighter.

But everyone experiences this, right?

What’s ‘normal’

Seeing at night can be a challenge regardless of your vision health. Add in advancements to vehicle and street lighting, such as LED bulbs, and driving at night can even become scary.

The eye is made up of millions of rods and cones, which react to the light and allow you to see what’s in front of you. The rods around the outside of the retina are responsible for peripheral vision and processing lower light levels.

For those with vision problems, you may notice improvements with glasses compared to contacts. Contacts focus on the center of the eye as opposed to glasses, which can more accurately correct your vision.

When driving at night, light has to spread through additional barriers before it gets to your eyes, such as bouncing off other car windshields, your windshield and eyeglasses. When it rains, that glare can spread even more.

What’s ‘not normal’

If you can’t read a street sign until you’re very close to it, you’re seeing large “starbursts” or spots, or you avoid driving at night altogether out of fear, it’s time to see either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They can help you determine if there’s something more serious going on, such as undiagnosed astigmatism (characterized by blurred vision, eye strain, tired eyes, headaches, squinting or double vision) or near-sightedness (characterized by eye strain, pressure behind the eyes, headaches, itchy or irritated eyes).

If you’re 60 or older, you should also discuss possible age-related concerns, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

How to care for your condition

Eye health starts with whole-body health. Take care of your eyes by incorporating more color onto your plate with fruits and vegetables.

If you notice chronically dry eyes or experience itchy/watery eyes due to allergies, several over-the-counter options can help keep your vision clear.

For those with known vision problems, consider talking with your doctor or other health care provider to determine if you could benefit from new glare-resistant coating to your glasses or other options to keep you safe.

Medical review provided for this piece by Nate Biancardi, OD, with MultiCare Rockwood Eye and Optical Center.