According to a new study, of the 34 million drivers on the road today, approximately 17 million have difficulty seeing in the dark. That means that one in every two drivers in the UK struggles to see clearly after dusk.

It can be incredibly frustrating and even dangerous to deal with oncoming headlights or bright streetlights shining in your eyes. This is because the glare from these lights can cause temporary blindness, making it difficult to see the road ahead. So it's essential to be aware of the potential causes and take steps to reduce the risk.

"If you wear glasses, ensure they are clean and free of smudges or scratches."

What are the causes of glare when driving at night? The glare experienced when driving at night can be due to both internal and external factors:

1. Internal causes of glare when driving at night

Uncorrected nearsightedness

If you have uncorrected nearsightedness, driving at night can be difficult because of the glare from oncoming headlights. This is caused by the fact that your eyes cannot focus on objects that are far away, so the light from the headlights appears scattered and blurry. This can make it difficult to see the road ahead – and be dangerous if you cannot see other cars on the road.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a vision condition that causes distorted images. It happens when the clear front part of the eye – or cornea – is curved – or when the lens inside the eye is misshapen. This can cause light to be refracted (bent) in different directions, which results in blurred vision. Astigmatism can cause glare while driving at night, as the light from oncoming headlights is not focused properly.

Allergies

Allergens can get into the eyes and cause irritation, redness, and swelling. The body's reaction to allergens can also cause the eyes to produce more tears. All these factors can cause glare and make it difficult to see.

Eye strain

Eye strain occurs when your eyes are used excessively or when they are exposed to bright light for extended periods. Symptoms of eyestrain can include headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing, making it difficult to concentrate on the road. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.

Certain medications can cause photophobia

These medications can include certain antibiotics, antihistamines, and even some blood pressure medications. If you're taking any of these medications, it is vital to be aware of the potential side effects and take precautions when driving at night. If possible, avoid driving at night or in low light conditions.

2. External causes of glare while driving at night

Fog

Fog can reflect light from nearby lights back into a driver's eyes. This can make it difficult to see the road ahead and be a safety hazard. To avoid this, drivers should be sure to use their headlights and taillights when driving in foggy conditions and be cautious when approaching other vehicles.

Night rain

Night rain can cause glare while driving due to the reflection of light off the wet pavement. This can make it difficult to see the road and can cause accidents. It is crucial to be extra careful when driving in these conditions and to slow down if necessary.

Oncoming headlights

Though it may seem like a minor issue, oncoming headlights can cause a lot of glare when driving at night. This is because our eyes are not used to seeing such bright lights in the dark, and they can cause us to squint or even close our eyes for a moment. This can be dangerous because it can make it difficult to see the road ahead. If oncoming headlights blind you, it is best to slow down and give yourself time to adjust to the light. If you wear glasses, ensure they are clean and free of smudges or scratches.

Foggy or cracked windshields

Foggy windshields can reduce visibility. Also, the light from oncoming traffic or streetlights can reflect off of the imperfections in the glass and into your eyes. This can make it difficult to see and can be dangerous. 

To avoid accidents, it is crucial to be aware of both the internal and external causes of glare. By being aware of potential sources of glare, you can help keep yourself safe while driving at night