Nighttime driving woes: Could cataracts be the culprit?

A recent ITV News article revealed that a significant number of motorists—around one in four—are reducing or avoiding night driving due to the glare from modern headlights. If you've experienced similar difficulties, the issue might not be the headlights themselves—it could be your vision.

Increased sensitivity to glare is a common symptom of cataracts, which cause the eye's natural lens to become cloudy over time. This cloudiness scatters light, creating halos and glare, particularly at night. Let's explore how cataracts impact night vision and what you can do to see clearly again.

Why do cataracts make night driving so challenging?

Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye's lens break down and clump together, resulting in clouded vision. While cataracts develop gradually, one of the first noticeable symptoms is trouble seeing clearly at night.

When headlights shine on a cataract-affected lens, the light doesn't pass through cleanly, unlike in a healthy eye where the lens focuses light precisely onto the retina for clear vision. Instead, it's scattered, creating blinding glare and halos that make it difficult to judge distances and spot potential hazards.

Recognising the signs of cataract-related night vision problems

If you're finding night driving increasingly uncomfortable, watch for these cataract symptoms:

Glare and halos: Bright lights, like headlights and streetlights, may appear to have halos or starbursts around them.
Blurry or cloudy vision: Objects might look blurry, even with glasses.
Dulled colours: Colours appear less vibrant.
Increased light sensitivity: Daytime sunlight and nighttime headlights feel more intense than before.

The impact of cataracts on nighttime driving safety

Cataracts don't just cause discomfort—they can compromise your safety. Poor night vision increases the risk of missing road signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles. The glare from headlights can also delay reaction times, particularly when turning at intersections or driving through poorly lit areas.

What can you do if cataracts are affecting your night vision?

The good news is that cataracts are treatable with a straightforward, modern procedure. Cataract procedures involve replacing the clouded lens with a clear, artificial one. The result? Sharper vision, reduced glare, and greater confidence behind the wheel.

Professor Paul Ursell is an expert in advanced cataract techniques that prioritise safety and precision, helping people regain their night vision and driving independence.

Take the first step

If you've noticed night glare or other changes in your vision, it might be time to act. Cataracts don't improve on their own—but you don't have to live with the inconvenience.

Take our quick, online self-test to check your suitability for cataract treatment. It only takes a few minutes and could be the first step to seeing clearly again, day or night.