{"id":113,"date":"2026-06-12T21:10:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T21:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richmondeyeexperts.com\/blog\/?p=113"},"modified":"2026-07-23T21:13:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:13:04","slug":"cataracts-and-night-driving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richmondeyeexperts.com\/blog\/2026\/06\/12\/cataracts-and-night-driving\/","title":{"rendered":"How Cataracts Affect Night Driving and What You Can Do"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Driver\u2019s<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Cataracts<\/a> can make nighttime driving more difficult by reducing contrast and increasing glare from headlights and streetlights. Because cataracts usually develop gradually, you may adjust to the changes without realizing how much your night vision has declined. Recognizing the warning signs can help you decide when to limit nighttime driving and schedule an eye exam<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Are Cataracts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Most cataracts are related to aging and develop slowly. As they progress, they may cause blurry or hazy vision, faded colors, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing in dim conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Cataracts Affect Night Driving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At night, cataracts can make road signs, lane markings, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles harder to see. Headlights from oncoming cars may create glare, halos, or starbursts, and your eyes may take longer to recover after exposure to bright light. Reduced contrast can also make it more difficult to judge distance or notice hazards against a dark background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signs include slowing down more than usual, missing turns or road signs, feeling uncomfortable when headlights approach, or avoiding unfamiliar roads after dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Make Night Driving Safer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you do not feel confident or cannot see the road clearly, do not drive at night. Arrange a ride, use a rideshare service, or travel during daylight. If you continue driving, these steps may help reduce risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n