Issues with Night Vision?

[Marita40]

I stopped driving highways or unfamiliar routes at night in my 50s because I felt a real decline in ability to do so. I don't like driving in general and only make trips within my proximity. For distances I use Uber or the bus.

 

[OldShooter]

I went through this and learned a couple of things.

First, as we age our pupils do not dilate as much in low light. So it really is darker that it was when we were younger! Nothing to be done about this.

Second, droopy eyelids can compound the problem. My PCP spotted my droopy eyelids and, as it turned out, they were blocking part of my dilated night vision pupils -- making a bad thing worse. He sent me off to the eyelid-fixing surgeon and my night vision was noticeably improved.

I could see my eyelid droop problem simply by looking in a mirror in somewhat low light conditions and noting the the pupils were partially covered by the eyelids.

 

[jesaco]

I also have a hard time driving at night. If its a two way street and a car approaches on the other side with its lights on, it blinds me and the street seems to be in total darkness. I only drive at night , if nescessary, with my wife so she can help me. My eye doctor (an Opthomologist) says it due to cataracts which will eventually needed to be operated on. I use uber now at nightime.

 

[ncbill]

Had LASIK nearly 20 years ago.

But it's only been the last few years that have been issues with driving at night.

My depth perception seems negatively affected, glare increasingly noticeable.

 

[target2019]

I noticed when I approached 60, that I started to drive less and less at night - just felt the darkness compromised my eyesight.

It wasn't so much a problem at low speeds, street driving - but on interstates where I needed to look much farther ahead.

I went to two different optometrists and asked them to check my distance vision - they both agreed I only need a slight correction for distance - so I keep those glasses in the car for night driving -

but I feel as if something else is going on - let me back up - both optometrists agreed that I don't have cataracts or evidence of eye disease - and my Vitamin A level is good...
I just feel it's more than a distance vision problem.

Can anyone else relate? What do you do for it, if anything?

You need to see an ophthalmalogist as soon as possible.

 

[SunnyOne]

Regarding an urgent appointment with an opthalmalogist - I've done further research which seems to indicate that reduced night vision is a symptom of aging?

Does everyone over the age of 60(?) need an appointment to have this investigated even if they notice no other eyesight issues? (only reduction with high speed driving on highways without street lights) - Should this be like colonoscopies and other routine screening?

 

[braumeister]

I haven't noticed any significant decrease in my night vision, and I'm in my 70s. But I will note that cataracts develop very slowly, and your issue may just be that it's in the early stages.

When I started to notice a bit of dimming, I asked my ophthalmologist if I had a cataract. He said "Just the very beginning of it, but nothing to worry about now. Ask me again in five years."
I did so, and at that time he said "A few more years yet."
I finally had the surgery and it made a world of difference. Sharper vision, brighter and more vibrant colors, the whole schmear.

 

[OldShooter]

Regarding an urgent appointment with an opthalmalogist - I've done further research which seems to indicate that reduced night vision is a symptom of aging?

Yes, as I mentioned above; our pupils just can't dilate as much as we age. I think it is more or less the same problem where less lens flexibility puts us in the reading glasses camp and, maybe, our loss of high frequencies in our hearing. Old body parts stiffening up.

Does everyone over the age of 60(?) need an appointment to have this investigated even if they notice no other eyesight issues? (only reduction with high speed driving on highways without street lights) - Should this be like colonoscopies and other routine screening?

There are many possible eye conditions that can afflict us as we age, including glaucoma and macular degeration. IMO it is very worthwhile for you to see a good ophthalmologist at least once to be screened for any problems or potential problems before they become serious. You can ask about night vision at that time too. Re routine screening, I see my ophthalmologist every six months for a checkup as I do have very slowly moving macular degeneration. Your ophthalmologist can tell you how frequently you should be coming in for checks.

 

[SunnyOne]

Thank you

 

[pacergal]

My night vision is not very good either, hasn't been for years.
Beginnings of cataracts and also have glaucoma.
Neither DH or I like driving at night and try to avoid if possible.

 

[bobandsherry]

Regarding an urgent appointment with an opthalmalogist - I've done further research which seems to indicate that reduced night vision is a symptom of aging?

Does everyone over the age of 60(?) need an appointment to have this investigated even if they notice no other eyesight issues? (only reduction with high speed driving on highways without street lights) - Should this be like colonoscopies and other routine screening?

Indeed aging is a factor, six muscles in the eye and they aren't what they used to be....

However, you should get your eyes checked regularly for signs of cataracts or possible glaucoma. Both could also be a reason for poor night vision, so get it checked out to be sure.

From my experience, I had night vision issues due to cataracts, happens so slowly that you really don't notice the change. But after having surgery on my eyes to correct what a night (no pun intended) and day difference. Prior to surgery I thought everything during the day looked fine, but I could tell the difference immediately after the surgery.

 

[Rianne]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes in Feb. 2023. Everything is brighter. I'm not sure if night driving is what it's supposed to be and I'm not used to it yet. I'm experimenting with sunglasses at night. I can still read and see the very small print on the signs read license plates and street signs at a distance. This is amazing to me b/c even with glasses these things were somewhat blurry. It seems I'm getting used to the night glare.

 

[meleana]

I am 66 years old and I am very near sighted. Dry eyes also.

I actually started to have trouble driving at night years ago and I don’t feel comfortable with it and avoid it if I can. I think my husband (who is far sighted) also has trouble but won’t admit it.

We still will go out at night, but not often and I can see this becoming a more difficult situation as time goes on. Thank goodness we’re not night people anyway, but sometimes that’s when events and social engagements and meetings are going on.


I agree that glare on highways is really tough, but also pitch black back roads.

 

[steveark]

Our running group is mostly 60ish to 70ish folk. The running joke is that any male nursing home resident that can drive at night has got it made. He's the guy all the female residents are looking for!

 

[NXR7]

Before you commit to LASIK ask about its impact on cataract surgery. My eye surgeon said cataract surgery can still be done but it can complicate the surgery. (She was happy I've never had LASIK because I now need cataract surgery.)

From one site:

Cataract Surgery Following LASIK Surgery

The modern equipment used by takes very accurate measurements of the eyes, even many years after having undergone LASIK surgery. However, it is still highly recommended for those who have had LASIK surgery to provide the surgeon with all previous eye health records so that the appropriate lens implant be used for cataract surgery. If you do not already have them, you can request these records from the doctor who performed your LASIK surgery. If obtaining these records is not possible, cataract surgery can still be an option, though the postoperative refractive error may not be as predictable.

 

[sroby2020]

My eye doctor says that as we age, we all get some degree of cataracts. Mine are not very serious and just present by needing brighter lights when reading or more glare while driving at night. Like others, I has RK about 30 years ago, and the night vision is still an annoyance. I suspect that you have a very mild start to cataracts. Not much to do as of yet.

 

[bobandsherry]

Before you commit to LASIK ask about its impact on cataract surgery. My eye surgeon said cataract surgery can still be done but it can complicate the surgery. (She was happy I've never had LASIK because I now need cataract surgery.)

Speaking from experience, I had Lasik about 13 years before needing cataract surgery. My Doctor said he had to consider that, asked for copies of my LASIK records. All went without any problems.

 

[SunnyOne]

I am not inclined toward LASIK since I have no real distance vision problems as of yet. Further, I am in a group for dry eyes and most of those folks only had mild cases that were later exacerbated by getting LASIK.

 

[pdxgal]

+1. As we age our eyes take in less light, up to 50%less IIRC... I feel that’s the issue for me. Especially away from town or major highways, it’s just harder for me to see the road. Newer, brighter headlights help a bit but do t fully compensate.

 

[pdxgal]

FWIW my eye doc says I don’t have cataracts yet so that doesn’t seem to be root cause in my case. I do though have slight double vision, and that’s also a factor.

 

[jesaco]

You need to see an ophthalmalogist as soon as possible.

Yes, go to a opthamologist not to an optometrist. My opthamologist will be doing my surgery soon. Maedicare part B covers cataract surgery but not Lasik surgery.