Driving & Eye Strain

When it comes to driving, you rely on your eyes more than any of the other senses. Your eyes are constantly in motion – focusing and refocusing as objects approach and contending with distractions, such as oncoming headlights or the glare of the setting sun.

All this activity can take a toll on your eyes by causing them to become strained, which can reduce your safety and effectiveness while driving. Keeping your eyes well-rested and preventing them from becoming strained in the first place should always be a top priority.

To help ensure that you are taking the appropriate vision-related precautions while behind the wheel and on the road, follow this advice:

• Wear prescription eyewear when driving and be sure that your glasses are clean.
• Wear sunglasses, even if you are a passenger, to provide protection from UV.
• Wear no-glare or polarized lenses that allow more light to enter the eye, minimizing glare coming from the road or other objects.
• Take breaks when driving long distances to reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Keep headlights, tail lights, and the windshield – inside and outside – clean.
• Receive regular eye exams by an eyecare provider to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that your prescription remains current.