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.
You need to see an ophthalmalogist as soon as possible.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?
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.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?
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.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?
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?
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.)
You need to see an ophthalmalogist as soon as possible.