Glare is one of the most common reasons patients visit Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care — especially during the darker months when night driving, LED headlights and low winter sun make everyday tasks feel far more difficult. Glare from computer screens or other light sources can also be an issue – it’s not just an outdoor problem.
Broadly speaking, there are two different types of glare which can affect your vision. ‘Discomfort glare’ creates that intense, squinty feeling when light feels overwhelming but you can still see. ‘Disability glare’ goes further — bright sources scatter inside the eye, reducing contrast and making details disappear, especially at night. Both can make driving, reading signs and judging distances far more challenging.
If you’ve noticed haloing around lights, dazzle from oncoming traffic, or harsh reflections on wet roads, there are highly effective solutions available which can help both types of glare. Many people are surprised to learn that as well as specialist filters and surfaces on glasses, there are contact lenses materials which can reduce glare too.
Contact lenses designed to reduce glare and improve night vision
Modern contact lenses aren’t just for correcting prescriptions. New high-tech materials actively help with glare, contrast and clarity.
One of the most impressive examples is ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day, designed for today’s demanding visual environment. Its light-filtering technology reduces scatter from bright light sources — meaning fewer headlight halos, improved night-time visual comfort and sharper contrast for viewing computer screens. If you often struggle during night driving or get tired eyes when using your laptop, these lenses can make a noticeable difference.
They’re also engineered to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dry eyes are a major cause of glare, so the combination of moisture retention and light filtration makes this lens an ideal option for office workers, drivers, and anyone bothered by bright light. Available for short sight, long sight, astigmatism and for multifocal wearers too, we have many prescription options.
Driving lenses that reduce glare from headlights and wet roads
If you prefer glasses, or switch between specs and contact lenses, specialist driving lenses can help enormously.
Hoya EnRoute lenses are purpose-built to reduce glare, enhance contrast and make night driving more comfortable. They minimise blue-violet light scatter from LED headlights and streetlights while helping road signs and markings stand out more clearly.
For those who spend long hours behind the wheel, Hoya EnRoute Pro offers even more advanced glare-cutting technology — perfect for professional drivers or anyone looking for the highest level of visual support in poor light.
Ensuring your prescription is accurate is essential too. Even a minor change in your vision can exaggerate glare, so regular eye examinations are a key part of keeping night driving safe and comfortable.
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer — winter glare can be worse
Many people underestimate winter glare, but low sun combined with wet roads can be far more dazzling than bright summer light.
This is where premium polarised sunglasses, such as Maui Jim, really shine. Their exceptional polarisation eliminates harsh reflections, boosts contrast and gives instant relief from dazzle — especially useful for winter driving, skiing holidays and long countryside walks.
If you’ve only ever worn standard tinted lenses, the difference with Maui Jim polarisation can be astonishing.
Glare can be a symptom — not just an inconvenience
Persistent glare may indicate an underlying issue, including:
- Dry eye syndrome
- Cataracts
- Astigmatism
- Scratched or ageing spectacle lenses
- Out-of-date prescriptions
A routine eye exam ensures these causes are identified early and treated appropriately so book in if you feel a check-up is needed – you don’t need to wait to be recalled if you think your vision may have changed.
Clear, comfortable vision — all year round
If glare is affecting your confidence while driving, working or simply enjoying the outdoors, we’re here to help. With advanced contact lenses for glare, specialist driving lenses, premium polarised sunglasses and expert clinical care, Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care can tailor the perfect solution for you.
Book your eye examination today or come in to talk to our team for further information.
