Struggling to See at Night? The Hidden Eye Conditions You Shouldn't Ignore

At Bronx Eye Associates in Bronx, NY, Dr. Marsha Zaman and our team help patients see clearly at any hour. If you struggle to see while driving at night, you are not alone. Many people notice blurry road signs or distracting glare from oncoming headlights. It's easy to dismiss these changes, but they often point to issues we can treat. We offer comprehensive eye exams to find the root cause of your night vision struggles.

Why does driving at night feel so difficult?

Often, the issue is a simple change in your vision. If you wear monovision contacts, they correct your vision in each eye differently to help you read. However, this setup can make driving in low light more difficult. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that monovision contact lenses can decrease visual quality in low light. Your brain relies on both eyes working together to judge depth and contrast in the dark. Monovision disrupts this process, which can make nighttime driving hazardous. 

We can prescribe a separate pair of distance glasses to wear over your contacts at night. Our team offers a wide selection of glasses and contact lenses to keep you safe on the road.

Could a hidden eye condition be developing?

Sometimes poor night vision is an early warning sign of a progressive eye condition. Conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration can develop slowly without causing obvious daytime vision loss. They gradually reduce your contrast sensitivity, making dim environments look blurry. 

To catch these issues early, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends exams every five to 10 years for healthy adults under age 40. The group advises exams every two to four years for ages 40 to 54. For those aged 55 to 64, we recommend an exam every 1 to 3 years. If you are 65 or older, you should get an exam every one to two years. 

We use advanced diagnostic tools to check your eye health and catch these conditions early.

What can you do to stay safe on the road? 

Many people turn to dietary supplements, believing they cure night blindness. However, vitamins rarely help unless you have a severe nutritional deficiency. 

A study in Current Developments in Nutrition found that Vitamin A deficiency affects only 0.272% of the US population. Unless a doctor diagnoses a specific medical issue, extra vitamins don’t improve your night vision.

Instead, focus on practical habits to protect yourself behind the wheel. According to the National Safety Council, high-beam headlights illuminate the road only up to about 500 feet ahead. To stay safe, slow down and keep your windshield clean inside and out to reduce glare. You should also dim your dashboard lights to help your eyes adjust to the dark.

Don’t let poor night vision keep you off the road. Whether you need a simple prescription update or a medical evaluation, our team is here for you. Please contact our team at Bronx Eye Associates today to schedule your next eye exam.