•Dr Priscilia Imade
Driving is an essential part of daily life for many people. Whether it is for work, business or personal errands, spending long hours on the road can put a strain on the eyes.
Good vision is important for safe driving but many drivers experience eye problems that make it difficult to see clearly. Some of these problems can be dangerous if ignored.
Some of the most common eye problems that affect drivers and how to manage them include:
1. Sensitivity to Light (Glare Sensitivity)
Many drivers struggle with bright sunlight during the day or the glare from headlights at night. This can make it hard to see clearly and may cause discomfort or headaches. To reduce glare, wear sunglasses during the day and use anti-glare glasses for night driving. Keeping your windshield clean and avoiding looking directly at bright lights can also help.
2. Blurry Vision
Some drivers have difficulty reading road signs or seeing objects clearly from a distance. This can be caused by conditions such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, cataract or glaucoma. If road signs look blurry, it may be time to check your eyes and get the right prescription glasses.
3. Eye Strain and Fatigue
Driving for long hours, especially at night or in heavy traffic, can make the eyes feel tired. This is known as eye strain. Symptoms include dryness, discomfort, and difficulty focusing. Taking short breaks, blinking often and adjusting the brightness of your dashboard can reduce eye strain.
4. Dry Eyes
Air conditioning in cars, strong winds and long hours of staring at the road can cause dry eyes. This may lead to discomfort, redness, and a burning sensation. To prevent dry eyes, use artificial tears, keep the car’s air vents away from your face and blink frequently.
5. Poor Night Vision
Some drivers find it hard to see clearly at night. This may be due to aging, cataracts, glaucoma or vitamin A deficiency. Poor night vision can make it difficult to spot pedestrians, road signs or objects on the road. Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots and leafy vegetables and using proper lighting in your car can help improve night vision.
6. Double Vision
Seeing two images of the same object can be dangerous while driving. Double vision can be caused by problems with the eye muscles, nerve conditions or tiredness. If you experience double vision, you should visit an Optometrist immediately.
7. Frequent Headaches
Some drivers suffer from headaches, especially after long hours on the road. This may be due to uncorrected vision problems, eye strain or bright lights. Wearing the right glasses, taking breaks and adjusting your seat position can help reduce headaches.
8. Tunnel Vision
Tunnel vision means losing the ability to see objects at the sides while driving. This condition can make it difficult to notice pedestrians, motorcycles or cars approaching from the side. Tunnel vision is sometimes caused by eye diseases like glaucoma. If you notice this problem, you should get your eyes checked immediately.
How to Protect Your Eyes While Driving
• Get regular eye check-ups to make sure your vision is clear.
• Wear prescription glasses or contact lenses if needed.
• Use sunglasses during the day to reduce glare.
• Take breaks during long drives to rest your eyes.
• Blink often to prevent dryness.
• Adjust your car’s lighting and avoid bright dashboard screens at night.
• Check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly.
Good vision is important for safe driving. If you notice any changes in your eyesight, visit an eye clinic for a check-up. Taking care of your eyes will not only improve your driving experience but also help prevent accidents on the road.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.comAnother edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Dr Priscilia Imade ( OD, MSc, FAAO, FNOA) recently authored a book titled ” COMMON EYE SYMPTOMS, Understanding Prevention and Care”.
In the book, she explored the most frequent eye complaints people experience, what they mean, their possible causes and how to manage them effectively. The book provides simple explanations to help you understand your eye health better.
You will find practical tips on prevention, care and home remedies that can help relieve discomfort. Most importantly, you will learn when to seek professional help from an optometrist to prevent complications.
For this week only, she is giving away this new book for FREE to all readers of The Frontier who will visit Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. Plus, a 10% discount on your eye examination and up to 20% off eyewear when you book your appointment today!
Interested readers can call 0905-556-0532, 0803-333-6672.
