Monthly Archives: November

glare while driving

Simple Options to Minimize Dangerous Glare While Driving

When driving a car, the ability to see the road and surroundings clearly is essential to the safety of everyone in the vehicle.  Reflective glare while driving can be a big problem in a number of situations.

For example, the light reflecting off of snow in the winter can be almost blinding to a driver.  Additionally, the glare from bright sunlight hitting the street or other cars can cause a driver to squint or even tear up, therefore affecting their ability to operate the car safely.  And nighttime driving can be difficult for many people as they get older due to the glaring illumination of other headlights.  Fortunately, there are some solutions that can help eliminate glare while driving, providing for a safer driving experience.

 

Sunglasses

Polarized sunglass lenses provide excellent protection from glare while driving.  These lenses are made with a special filter that can dramatically reduce the sun’s glare while keeping other objects on the road in sharp focus.  Brands like Maui Jim or Nike are great options, as they are known for producing superior anti-glare products.  However, there are also less expensive choices that can still provide high levels of protection against glare while driving. As a bonus, wearing high-quality sunglasses consistently during the day can reduce overall eye strain, which can actually help alleviate some of the glare from headlights at night.

 

Prescription glasses

Because of advances in lens technology, many options are available for prescription lens wearers who want to reduce glare while driving.  Many brands of prescription lenses can be customized with anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare during the day, as well as reduce the effects of headlight glare at night.  Additionally, there are some light-responsive lenses available which will automatically adapt to changing light conditions.  When you visit us for a comprehensive vision exam, we can determine which lenses are best suited to your lifestyle and specific needs.

 

Contacts

Surprisingly, recent improvements in contact lens technology have also provided an option to contact lens wearers for anti-glare protection.  Photochromic contact lenses are light-responsive lenses that can filter blue light, improve your vision in bright light outside, as well as reduce problems from headlights at night.  Of course, you can always wear sunglasses over your regular contacts, but this is an additional option for those who want an all-in-one solution for protection against glare while driving.

 

Glare Can Indicate a Serious Vision Issue

Glare is a normal part of life, and can often be eliminated with the right eye protection.  However, if excessive glare is affecting your quality of life on a daily basis, it could mean there is a bigger problem with your vision.  In fact, it can be a sign of cataracts, macular degeneration or other eye diseases.  If it is interfering with your vision, visit us for a comprehensive eye exam to determine if there are more serious issues that need to be treated.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for eyeglasses, contacts or other eye care needs, call our Aurora office at 630-862-2020.

 

Additional information can be referenced here

Share:
blue light glasses

Why Are Blue Light Glasses Suddenly So Popular?

Blue light glasses are becoming a growing trend among students these days.  And perhaps for good reason.  Without a doubt, kids are spending a lot of time in front of digital devices.  In particular, remote learning requires kids to be on their computers for hours at a time.  And all of the additional time being spent in the house tends to lead to more TV and phone use in order to pass the time.  As a result, more and more kids have started turning to blue light glasses in an attempt to counteract the negative effects of blue light exposure.

What Are the Effects of Blue Light?

Sunlight is our biggest source of blue light, which is a color in the visible light spectrum that contains a high concentration of energy and short wavelengths.  Other sources of blue light include digital devices like computer screens, phone screens and TV’s, as well as LED and compact fluorescent lights.  While some blue light is actually beneficial, overexposure can be harmful.  In fact, people who have extensive exposure to blue light often complain of headaches, as well as difficulty falling asleep.  Additionally, digital eye strain can cause sore or itchy eyes, light sensitivity and even pain in the neck or shoulders.

Many doctors are concerned that increased levels of blue light could lead to a greater chance of developing macular degeneration later in life.  And research has shown that blue light from digital devices can create higher incidences of nearsightedness, or myopia.  With all of these possible side effects, it is not surprising that students are giving blue light glasses a try.

How Blue Light Glasses Work

In theory, blue light glasses are designed to block some of the blue light that is being emitted by digital devices with a filtering coating that reflects some of the light away from your eyes.  Some styles are designed with clear coating, while others have a more yellowish tint that supposedly provides better light-blocking results.

Unfortunately, there is conflicting research as to the true benefit of blue light glasses.  But while they do not work for everyone, many people claim that they make a big difference in reducing the symptoms of their blue light exposure.   Every person’s eye care needs are unique, and we will be happy to discuss your specific situation and what type of eye protection might be necessary during a comprehensive eye exam.

Vision Therapy for Computer Vision

With kids spending so much time in front of digital devices these days, blue light glasses might not provide the full protection they need from the harmful effects of digital eye strain.  Left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and existing eye disorders such as farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia can also worsen.  At Family Vision Development Center, our vision therapy options are extremely effective in treating these types of vision disorders as well as many more.  In fact, through these series of progressive therapeutic procedures (eye exercises), our patients can develop or recover normal visual skills.

Contact our Aurora office at 630-862-2020 to learn more or to schedule your comprehensive eye exam or consultation.

 

Additional information can be referenced here

Share: