Seeing clearly at night is something most of us take for granted—until it becomes a problem. If you have astigmatism, you may notice that your vision changes once the sun goes down. Headlights blur, streetlights seem to stretch into starbursts, and even reading signs while driving becomes difficult.
But why does this happen? And what can you do about it?
We will help you understand the connection between astigmatism and night vision problems, how it affects your daily life, and what proven solutions are available—especially for those living in the Philippines.
Why Is Night Vision Worse with Astigmatism?
Astigmatism affects your vision throughout the day—but its impact tends to be more noticeable at night. Here’s why:
Larger Pupils in the Dark
In low-light settings, your pupils naturally expand to let in more light. While this helps you see in the dark, it also exposes more of the irregular curvature of the cornea, making visual distortions more prominent.
Increased Glare and Halos
People with astigmatism often report seeing starbursts, halos, and glare around lights. This is especially common when driving at night. A 2023 clinical review published in the International Journal of Ophthalmology showed that over 65% of patients with uncorrected astigmatism experienced light scatter and glare issues under low-light conditions.
Reduced Contrast Sensitivity
Astigmatism can affect your ability to distinguish between objects and backgrounds in dim light. This is called contrast sensitivity, and it plays a key role in recognizing faces, road signs, and obstacles in your path at night.
Signs You Might Have Night Vision Issues from Astigmatism
Even mild astigmatism can cause noticeable symptoms at night. Common complaints include:
- Difficulty reading road signs in the dark
- Blurred or double vision around light sources
- Needing to squint while driving at night
- Increased eye strain or fatigue
- Hesitation or anxiety about night-time driving
These issues can affect not only your comfort but also your safety. In fact, a study from the Journal of Optometry found that individuals with moderate astigmatism were significantly more likely to experience night-time driving errors compared to those without it.
How Astigmatism Is Detected
Astigmatism is typically diagnosed during a Comprehensive Eye Screening. Tests may include:
- Visual acuity test – Reading letters at a distance
- Refraction assessment – Measuring how your eyes bend light
- Keratometry – Measuring the curve of your cornea
- Corneal topography – A detailed map of the cornea’s surface
These tests help your eye doctor determine both the severity and type of astigmatism you have—information that is critical when choosing the best treatment.
Treatment Options to Improve Night Vision with Astigmatism
Thankfully, there are several ways to manage astigmatism and reduce its effects on night vision. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective options:
Eyeglasses with Astigmatism Correction
Prescription eyeglasses can be customized with cylindrical lenses to correct astigmatism. For night driving, anti-reflective (AR) coatings are often recommended, as they reduce glare from headlights and streetlights.
Toric Contact Lenses
Toric lenses are specially designed to fit the irregular shape of eyes with astigmatism. A 2019 study published in Clinical Ophthalmology found that drivers wearing toric lenses had significantly better contrast sensitivity and reaction times compared to those using standard lenses.
Tip: Make sure your contacts are well-fitted and kept clean to avoid discomfort and dryness—common issues that can worsen night vision.
Refractive Surgery (LASIK, Femto-LASIK, TransPRK)
For those seeking a long-term solution, LASIK or similar laser eye surgeries can reshape the cornea and permanently correct astigmatism. This results in sharper, more consistent vision—day and night.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we offer state-of-the-art laser procedures tailored to each patient’s specific condition. Our technologies, like Femto-LASIK, are designed to deliver precision outcomes with minimal downtime.
Night Vision Aids
While yellow-tinted “night driving glasses” are popular, studies show they may reduce visibility rather than improve it. Instead, focus on lenses with AR coatings and ensure proper headlight alignment and windshield cleanliness.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice increasing difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving, it’s time to consult an eye care professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further visual strain and help you regain confidence on the road.
Regain Night-Time Clarity with Expert Care
Astigmatism can be frustrating—especially when it disrupts your ability to see clearly at night. But with the right treatment and expert support, you can significantly improve your vision and quality of life.
At Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, we specialize in personalized vision correction. With vision correction treatments that can correct astigmatism for good, our team is here and ready to help you see your best—day or night.
Book your eye consultation today and let us guide you toward a clearer, safer, and more confident life after dark.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- PubMed. “The impact of uncorrected astigmatism on night driving performance, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31378990/“
- MedicalNewsToday. “How does astigmatism affect the appearance of lights?, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/astigmatism-lights#1“
- Cleveland Clinic. “Streetlights Looking Blurry? Why You May Have Halo Vision, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/halo-vision“
- Health. “Holiday Lights May Impact Astigmatism—Experts Recommend These Driving Safety Tips, https://www.health.com/christmas-lights-astigmatism-8416320“
- AllAboutVision. “Night driving glasses: Help or hoax?, https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/eyeglasses/types/night-driving-glasses/“