Safe on the Road: The Right Glasses for Driving

Many motorists indicate that they suffer from reduced visibility when it rains, gets dark or the sun shines brightly. Glasses wearers in particular suffer from this, because disturbing sun reflections are often perceived even more intensively by them. No wonder that impaired vision is one of the main causes of traffic accidents in the Netherlands. It is therefore very important for spectacle wearers to know what to take into account when driving.

Arrive safely – long journeys are pleasant and relaxed with glasses specially made for driving. But what should you pay attention to when buying glasses for driving?

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The eye test: Safety firstWhich glasses are suitable for driving?Driving with progressive glasses: this is what you should pay attention toGlasses for driving: what should you consider? The eye test: Safety first

Impaired vision is dangerous in traffic. It is therefore very important to purchase appropriate glasses. Make sure that the glasses are adjusted to your current correction values. You can have your correction values ​​determined during an eye test with an ophthalmologist or optician - preferably do this regularly.

Our eyesight generally deteriorates very slowly. So slow that it often takes a long time before we notice a change. Adults are advised to have their eyes measured every two years. An annual measurement is recommended for older people from 65 years of age. If you notice in the meantime that your vision changes, you should of course immediately ring the bell.

In addition to the right strength, the frame plays an important role. Your glasses should preferably be so large that your field of vision is not reduced and that you can see well in the door mirrors. Optimal is a frame with large glasses and a thin edge, where the brackets are attached to the top edge. That way you can look left and right undisturbed. In order to guarantee optimal wearing comfort, the computer glasses must also fit well and firmly.

Which glasses are suitable for driving?

Make sure that the lenses are tailored to your needs as a driver. Super anti-reflective lenses are particularly important here. Super anti-reflective glasses reduce disturbing light reflections, preventing glare from the sun. Visibility is thus improved, even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, a scratch-resistant layer and a clean coating finish are recommended, so that your glasses are less likely to get dirty and damaged.

Anti-reflective lenses: a must-have

Especially during twilight and at night, the lights of oncoming traffic obstruct the view. Glasses without anti-reflection enhance this effect because they act as a mirror. Anti-reflective glasses reduce disturbing light reflections and thus ensure a clear and unobstructed view. The more the glasses are anti-reflective, the better your vision is while driving.

Polarized lenses for additional protection

Polarized lenses protect your eyes from glare from the sun. Light reflected in a wet road surface or other wet surfaces is neutralized by a polarized layer. This makes the view clear and rich in contrast, allowing you to spot oncoming traffic in time.

Tinted lenses for extra viewing comfort

Certain shades can improve your visibility in traffic. Glasses with a brown and gray tint help you to recognize traffic lights, brake lights and other light signals better and faster. Ideally, the glasses even have a color gradient – ​​for a clear view of the dashboard and the road.

Important: red and blue tones are not suitable, they reduce contrasts. In order to also be suitable for night rides, the tint factor should not exceed 25%. For daytime rides, the tint factor should not exceed 85%.

Driving with progressive glasses: this is what you should pay attention to

In general, there is no difference between driving with progressive glasses and driving with bifocals. It is true that progressive glasses are often only worn from a certain age. This means that people who have worn bifocals for years have to get used to their new progressive glasses – even while driving.

Tip: Take enough time to get used to progressive glasses. Does that take you too long? Please contact your optician: Your glasses may not be optimally adjusted.

The mirrors in particular can be a challenge. Exterior mirrors are perceived through the myopia part of the progressive glasses. In practice, this means that you have to look a little more down than usual when looking in the door mirrors. In addition, you must turn your head towards the door mirror to see clearly. With progressive lenses, the vision is somewhat stretched at the edges, making it less possible to see there.

In the case of the rear view mirror, it may take a while to find the sharpest point. It doesn't take more than a second, but because you're not used to it, it can be a bit distracting at first.

Glasses for driving: what to consider?

Driving glasses are basically frames with special lenses that are optimally adapted to different traffic conditions. They are especially designed to improve visibility when it is dark, raining or the road surface is wet. They minimize reflections, make the transition between light and dark light conditions more pleasant and guarantee a sharp view when switching between the different mirrors and the road.

To enable quick switching between mirrors and the road, the field of view of special car lenses is more extensive than with 'normal' glasses. A quick and sharp look in the door mirrors, recognizing contrasts and estimating distances is therefore easier.

You can also wear glasses for driving in everyday life: it is not necessary to have two different glasses. If you indicate when choosing your glasses that you also want to wear the glasses while driving, your optician will recommend suitable lenses and refinements. Glasses for driving are available as multifocal and bifocal variants.

 

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