Safe Driving at Night

Here's another little secret you should know. Many excellent daytime drivers are dangerous behind the wheel after sunset! Healthy drivers included, not just folks with progressive cataracts or retinal diseases. Do you have more trouble driving in the dark? The reason may be as clear as night and day.

Daylight vision is also called photopic vision. Bright photopic light (red and yellow wavelengths) stimulates the central photoreceptors of the retina - the cells responsible for crisp, precise visual tasks like reading. Dimmer environments (blues and green wavelengths) utilize scotopic vision - peripheral photoreceptors that provide far less precise vision.

Let's simplify things: Bright lights wipeout night vision whereas darkness prevents your critical central retina from seeing.

Some auto designers attempt to override the Laws of Nature. Although bright oncoming headlights can temporarily dazzle the driver, a stylish dashboard instrument panel may cause a bigger problem.


Sexy sportscars with bright white or bright red instrument panel illumination can actually wipeout your night vision when it's needed most as the driver gazes upwards to look ahead in the dark. Traditional blue-green illumination was not chosen by accident. Large blue-green numbers and indicators can be read without jeopardizing critical central vision.


Did you know that many nearsighted myopes become more myopic in the dark? We call this 'night myopia'. Night vision is also affected by normal pupillary dilation that occurs in the dark. Big pupils can induce a variety of optical aberrations. Drivers adapt differently differently to low-light levels, so the dashboard light intensity is adjustable. Thinking about buying a car or truck? Schedule an evening test drive to make sure the vehicle offers optimal night viewing.

Related Links:Vision Problems in Aging Adults, Understanding Vision Problems

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