Glare & Night Driving Problems in Boston

“Eyeglass wearers often complain that glare can be a real source of night driving problems, “commented Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. It is generally accepted that 8-14% of light is lost due to reflection off eyeglasses that creates glare, leading to loss of visual acuity and clarity. A result of decreased light is lower contrast sensitivity which affects the patient’s ability to discriminate different shades of gray or objects against a low contrasting background. Eyeglass wearers driving at night are exposed to distracting glare from oncoming traffic and street lights that cause a reduction in visibility. Patients who are not wearing non-glare lenses and driving at night in the presence of extreme glare can see 2 lines less on the Snellen chart (the chart with the big “E”). This glare decreases reaction time to unexpected situations and the ability to identify people or objects. In a study of the visual reaction time while driving at night, the following findings were observed.


Patient                                         No Non-Glare Lenses     With Non-Glare Lenses
Patient with Myopia (-) Rx             10 seconds                             5 seconds
Patient with Hyperopia (+) Rx          8 seconds                             6 seconds


Because the glare from light is eliminated, the wearer has an improved field of vision by 30% and better contrast to see people or objects better. Because non-glare improves reaction time during unforeseen situations, it makes you a safer driver. 70% of drivers prefer non-glare lenses, 89% of highway patrol officers chose non-glare lenses. Will you choose non-glare lenses with your next purchase?

For more information on non-glare or other types of lenses, please stop by the optical departments at each location of D’Ambrosio Eye Care or call 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Reference sources: All About Vision, Health Sight Counseling, The Vision Council, Jobson Research and Essilor