Sunglasses for Driving at Night: Do They Really Help Reduce Glare?
When driving on a sunny day, sunglasses are an essential accessory to protect our eyes from harsh UV rays and reduce glare. However, what about driving at night? Can sunglasses still be of help in reducing glare when the sun isn’t shining bright? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of nighttime driving and sunglasses to find out if they really do help reduce glare.
What is Glare?
Before we get started, let’s define what glare is. Glare occurs when light from a source, such as headlights or streetlights, reflects off a surface like water, snow, or even the road itself. This reflected light can be intense and blinding, making it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead. In daytime driving, sunglasses are designed to reduce this glare by blocking out UV rays and minimizing reflection.
Do Sunglasses Help at Night?
While it’s true that sunglasses were designed primarily for daytime use, some manufacturers have developed specialized lenses for nighttime driving as well. These lenses, often called “anti-glare” or “night vision” lenses, are specifically designed to reduce glare when driving in low-light conditions.
Some of the features that make these night vision sunglasses effective include:
* Blue light filtering: Blue light is a type of high-energy visible (HEV) light that can cause eye strain and fatigue. Night vision sunglasses filter out this blue light to reduce eye discomfort.
* Anti-reflective coatings: These coatings help reduce glare from headlights or streetlights by minimizing the amount of light that reflects off the road surface.
* Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses can help reduce glare by filtering out horizontally polarized light, which is often responsible for glare from reflective surfaces.
Real-World Benefits
But do these night vision sunglasses really make a difference when driving at night? According to [Fantastic Glasses](https://fantasticglasses.ca), a leading online eyewear retailer, their customers who wear anti-glare sunglasses report a significant reduction in eye strain and fatigue while driving at night. Many have even commented on the improved clarity of road signs and markings.
Additional Tips for Nighttime Driving
While night vision sunglasses can certainly help reduce glare, there are other steps you can take to enhance your nighttime driving experience:
* Adjust your headlight aim: Make sure your headlights are properly aimed to avoid creating glare for oncoming drivers.
* Use high-beam headlights: When possible, use your high-beam headlights to increase visibility and reduce glare from other vehicles.
* Keep your windshield clean: A dirty or streaked windshield can exacerbate glare, so make sure to keep it clean and free of debris.
Conclusion
While sunglasses may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about nighttime driving, they can indeed help reduce glare in low-light conditions. By choosing the right night vision sunglasses, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Remember to also follow these additional tips for nighttime driving to maximize the benefits of your new shades.
Sources:
* [Fantastic Glasses](https://fantasticglasses.ca) – Online eyewear retailer specializing in prescription and non-prescription glasses, including night vision sunglasses.
* Various eye care professionals and organizations.
Disclosure: This blog post is not intended to promote any specific brand or product. The opinions expressed are based on general information available online and may not reflect the views of all eye care professionals.
References:
https://fantasticglasses.ca