By Dr. Stephen Taylor
Question: Even though my distance prescription hasn’t changed much in recent years, I feel like I used to see better at night. Other people seem confident driving in the dark or walking at dusk, and I don’t. Can they see better than I do? Why, and what can I do?
Answer: Some people do, in fact, naturally see better at night than others. The retina relies on two types of photoreceptors — cones for colour and fine detail in bright light, and rods, which are far more sensitive and allow you to see in dim conditions. People with strong night vision often have a higher density of functioning rods, or a retina that adapts more efficiently when lighting changes. Genetics plays a role, but so do age and overall eye health.
As we get older, the lens inside the eye becomes less clear. That scattered light can make glare from headlights or streetlamps more bothersome. Furthermore, early cataracts can diminish your contrast sensitivity, negatively impacting night vision before your daytime visual acuity becomes noticeably worse. Common conditions such as nearsightedness or dry eye can also make nighttime scenes look hazy. So even if your daytime prescription hasn’t shifted much, your night vision may still feel different than it used to.
Another factor: our eyes don’t switch into “night mode” instantly. It can take up to 20 minutes for the rods to fully adapt to darkness, and this process slows with age as our pupils become less responsive to changing light. Moving quickly from bright light to a darker environment can make everything seem even dimmer than it really is for longer than we’d like.
If night driving feels stressful or navigating poorly-lit places make you uneasy, bring it up at your next eye exam. Sometimes a small prescription tweak, a high-quality anti-glare coating, or treating dryness can make a noticeable difference. There are also specialty lenses designed specifically to improve comfort and clarity in low-light conditions because night-vision concerns are so common; your eyecare professional can help you explore options tailored to your needs.
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic, we provide a welcoming environment for patients to receive eye exams and pick out the perfect eyewear that works for each individual. Please give us a call to book your appointment with Dr. Peddle or myself.
