Are Modern Headlights Making Night Driving More Difficult?
If you’ve found driving at night more uncomfortable recently, you’re not alone. A recent BBC report has drawn attention to the growing number of drivers who say they feel “blinded” by modern car headlights — especially those using bright LED or xenon bulbs. While these headlights are designed to improve visibility for the driver, they can create intense glare and discomfort for others on the road.
Why Do Modern Headlights Cause More Glare?
Over the past decade, vehicle lighting technology has evolved dramatically. LED and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are brighter, whiter, and project light farther than older halogen bulbs.
However, this brightness — combined with the height and angle of some modern vehicles — can make it difficult for oncoming drivers to adjust quickly, particularly in darker or wet conditions.
Age can also play a role. As we get older, our pupils become less responsive to changes in light, and the lenses inside our eyes can scatter more light internally. This means glare from headlights can feel stronger and last longer.
The Impact on Night Driving
Glare doesn’t just cause temporary discomfort — it can seriously affect how well you see the road. It reduces contrast, making it harder to spot pedestrians, road signs, and hazards. Many drivers report avoiding night journeys altogether because of it, especially during the winter months when evenings draw in earlier.
How Eyelines Can Help?
At Eyelines, we understand how frustrating and even unsafe night-time glare can be. The good news is that there are several ways to make night driving clearer and more comfortable:
Anti-Reflective Lens Coatings – Special coatings that reduce reflections from headlights, streetlights, and dashboard glare.
Night-Driving Lenses – Lenses designed to enhance contrast and reduce light scatter, helping your eyes adjust more easily to changing light.
Up-to-Date Prescription – Even small changes in vision can increase glare sensitivity. Regular eye tests ensure your prescription is always accurate.
Lens Material and Tint Advice – Certain materials and tints can further improve comfort when driving in low light.
Our opticians can discuss your symptoms, check your vision, and recommend the best lens solutions to help you feel confident behind the wheel again.
When to Book an Eye Test
If you’ve noticed increased glare, halos around lights, or difficulty seeing clearly at night, it’s worth booking a comprehensive eye examination. These could simply be signs of needing an updated prescription, but they can also indicate early changes in your eye health, such as cataracts — which our experienced optometrists can detect and monitor.
Brighter headlights are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean night driving has to be uncomfortable. With the right eye care and lens technology, you can enjoy safer, clearer vision on every journey.
Book your appointment today to find out how Eyelines can help reduce glare and improve your night vision.
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