Not driving at night means locking your garage door just after sunset and opening it just before sunrise. This, for most, is not an option. So, unless you have some form of transport service in your area – and you are prepared/can afford to use it – you are going to be driving at night.

Perhaps your job requires you to be driving at night… With these scenarios a reality, we suggest the use of night-driving glasses, particularly if your eyes are sensitive to the glare from oncoming vehicles’ headlights. Night-driving glasses are specifically designed as a safety precaution, and to enhance your night-driving experience.

Older drivers tend to find night-driving particularly challenging.

You will notice that night-driving glasses’ lenses are polarised and are a yellowish colour. The tint prevents the, often, blinding, horizontal light from headlights entering your eyes and only allows vertical light to enter, enabling you to see more clearly. Without affecting their purpose, sunglasses have a variety of colours night-driving glasses, however, can only be yellow.

Apart from wearing night-driving glasses here are a few night-driving tips to minimise night-driving challenges:

• decrease your speed
• increase your following distance
• watch for flashes of light – they could be from an oncoming vehicle
• focus on the sides of objects – it’s more accurate that looking directly at the object
• look to the centre of your section of the road and use the painted shoulder lines as a guide
• to keep on track, look to the left side of the road if an oncoming driver fails to dip the headlights
• remember to dip your headlights…

Night-vision glasses and night-driving glasses are very different – you are warned of this to avoid confusion. Night-vision glasses are designed to take in as much light a possible and are used for military purposes. The yellow-tinted, polarised lenses of night-driving glasses cut out glaring light.

There are many different types of night-driving glasses that vary in style and affordability – and three types of polarised lenses. You are advised to seek professional advice from an optometrist who will help you choose the best option for your eyes – and your pocket.

Remember, as with everything you buy, there are the good products and the not-so-good products. Guidance is essential when it comes to your eyesight.