Blurry vision while driving at night shouldn't be considered normal

31 July 2025

Do you have trouble seeing clearly when driving at night? Do car headlights dazzle you, or does everything seem blurrier once the sun goes down? While many people think this is normal, the truth is—it’s not. Blurry vision while driving at night can be a sign that something isn’t right with your eyesight, and it’s important to pay attention.

Why is vision worse at night?

At night, there’s less light available, and the eyes have to work harder to focus. If you have an uncorrected visual problem—like myopia, astigmatism, or presbyopia—it becomes even more noticeable in low-light conditions. Additionally, some people may have a condition called night blindness (nyctalopia), which affects their ability to see well in the dark.

Possible causes of blurry night vision:

• Uncorrected myopia or astigmatism: Even a slight refractive error can cause blurry vision or halos around lights at night.

• Cataracts: These cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, making lights appear scattered or glaring.

• Dry eye syndrome: An uneven ocular surface can reduce visual quality, especially when exposed to air conditioning or prolonged screen use.

• Retinal problems: Some retinal conditions can gradually impair night vision.

• Vitamin A deficiency: Rare, but can lead to night blindness.

What can you do?

The most important thing is not to ignore the problem. If you notice blurry vision, bothersome glare, difficulty focusing, or eye fatigue while driving at night, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a specialist. In many cases, a simple update to your prescription or the right treatment can make a big difference.