Protect Your Vision

Whether you are behind the wheel for work or just out for a Sunday drive, healthy vision is an important component of safe driving. Commercial drivers must meet the vision requirements in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations, and all drivers must pass a vision test to determine if they meet the state’s mandatory minimum vision standards when obtaining
a state driver’s license.

In addition to regular eye exams and wearing corrective lenses, if needed, the American Optometric Association offers the following recommendations to help keep your eyes healthy while on the road, day or night:

Protect your eyes from UV rays during the day

Sunglasses should block out 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays and should screen out 75% to 90% of visible light. They should fit close to the eyes and contour to the shape of the face to prevent exposure to UV rays from all sides.

While some contact lenses also offer UV protection, these should be worn with sunglasses to maximize protection, according to the American Optometric Association.

Protect your eyes from glare at night

Avoid looking directly at an oncoming vehicle’s headlights. Turn down dashboard lights and cut off other interior lights to cut down on glare from lights that you are not looking at or toward.

Consider prescription eyeglass lenses with anti-reflection coating to minimize distracting light
from car dashboards, street lamps and other vehicles.

Keep an eye out

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), here are some things to watch out for with your vision:

• A noticeable decrease in vision or blurry vision
• Glare or halos when looking at oncoming headlights or streetlights
• A dark spot in your central or peripheral vision
• Difficulty reading road signs or spotting pedestrians

If you notice these or any changes in your vision, the AAO recommends seeing an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to help keep your eyes as healthy as possible.