In the above-mentioned list, you might be able to observe how every pair of night driving glasses comes with unique features. This means that you cannot buy night driving glasses off-the-shelf. You have to consider various factors before you finalize your purchase. 

Things to Consider When Buying Night Driving Glasses

1. Budget

You might think that all high-quality products come at a very high price tag. Even though it is true that good things do cost a fortune, you can still find premium products at an affordable range. You do not need to break your bank to get a pair of night driving glasses. But, yes, you need to be careful of buying driving glasses that are available at throwaway prices.

2. Polarized Lens

Many drivers squint their eyes against the glare of the oncoming traffic to prevent the light from entering their retina. The continuous squinting of the eyes, which, in turn, results in the contraction of the pupil, causes a great level of fatigue to your eyes. In some cases, this even results in an irreparable eyesight problem. If the light enters your eye directly, its effects are more intense. Polarized lenses reduce the glace as they cancel out the direct horizontal light from reaching your eyes. They make sure that only angled vertical light is able to enter your eyes. This puts less strain on your eyes. There are three types of polarized lenses available in the market. Let’s have a quick look at each of them:

The First Type: These driving glasses come with lenses that are made from natural polarized material. These types of glasses are perfect for minimizing glare as they provide consistent polarization of light. Unlike other glasses, they last longer and do not fade. However, there is a downside to using these glasses as well. Since these glasses block LCD and LED lights as well, it will be difficult for you to read your dashboard panels when wearing them.

The Second Type: These driving glasses come with a coating of a polarized film. This film is used to block the glare or brightness caused by other vehicles on the road. As compared to the first type of glasses that have lenses made from a natural polarized material, these are available at a low price. But these glasses are not long-lasting and the coating of the polarized films on them fade quickly as a result of constant wiping, scratching, and overall general use.

The Three Type: These are the types of glasses whose lenses are polarized internally. This process is quite complex and is only performed in specialized labs. The complexities of the process make the glasses durable and resistant to fading. The only downside of this third type of night driving glasses is that they are quite expensive.

It is up to you to decide which type of driving lens is better for you.  

3. Lens Material

Generally, there are two types of lens materials that are used in the commonly available night driving glasses. This includes polycarbonate and Tivex. Because of their level of affordability, polycarbonate glasses are quite popular among people. These lightweight lenses are shatterproof and ideal for people who have kids or who are a bit clumsy.                           

The other type of lens, Tivex is rarely found. However, they make driving at night a breeze. They are lightweight and scratch-resistant and deliver high-quality and clear images.

4. Lens Type

Improvements in the medical field have allowed experts to create eyeglass lenses that minimize glare, let in considerable amounts of light, and offer a clear vision. These lenses are more advanced than typical lenses, but they are also available at a very expensive price tag. The examples of high-definition eyeglass lenses are:

Wavefront Lenses: These lenses are developed through the same technology that is used in LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) operations. They provide clear vision across almost all lighting fields. These eyeglass lenses are custom made with prices tilted towards the higher side.

Free-form Lenses: The custom-made free-form lenses are phenomenal when it comes to providing clear vision at night. In free-form lenses, the fabrication of the lenses is optimized with the help of computer-controlled equipment, which ensures extreme precision.   

For better and clearer vision at night, you can consider choosing any of the two types of lenses mentioned above.  

5. Size and Fit

Another important factor to look at while buying your glasses is their size and fit. You must go for a pair that is not too tight to wear yet not too loose that it comes off due to a brief head movement. Even though night driving glasses remain in their place and offer a certain amount of resistance against the movement, they will not only cause discomfort throughout your ride, but their tightness will also lead to blood flow restriction. In that case, it is better to go with glasses that have a fairly loose-fitting.

6. Lens Tint

If you wear daytime sunglasses, you might have noticed how different sets of sunglasses have a different tint. But this isn’t true for night driving glasses as they generally come with the tint of one specific color, which is yellow. Some manufacturers sell night driving glasses with amber tinting. However, yellow-tinted glasses are more superior when it comes to cutting down the blue light and amplify the light in low-lit areas. One of the drawbacks of yellow-tinted glasses is that they cause a significant amount of color distortion. On that basis, amber tinting – even though it too causes color distortion – is better if you’re driving during dawn or dusk.

7. UV Protection

Night driving glasses can easily be worn during the daytime as well. This is because even during the day, you need protection from the glare caused by the oncoming traffic. In addition to this, you will need glasses that can save you from UV radiation, which includes both UVA and UVB radiation.  

Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can damage the eyes to a great extent. Glasses that come with UVB protection are generally available at a higher cost.

8. Weather Resistance

Bad weather can hit you at any time. When buying a pair of glasses, make sure that you choose one that can resolve all the issues that bad weather conditions such as rain, fog, etc., can create during night driving.

FAQs

What Are Night Driving Glasses?

These are non-prescription glasses that come with yellow-tinted lenses. Similar to a pair of shooter’s glasses, night driving glasses are worn by drivers who want to reduce the glare caused by streetlights and other vehicles on the road. These glasses come with an anti-reflective coating that reduces internal reflections of lights, allowing people to drive safely.  

How do night driving glasses work?

When you are driving at night, you will notice the light patterns on the road. In the absence of sunlight, the glare and brightness of the streetlights and the oncoming traffic can affect your eyes strongly. The intensity of these rays is due to the fact that they reach your eyes directly/horizontally. Night driving glasses block the rays and allow the light to enter your eyes vertically only. This causes less strain on your eyes and saves you from temporary blindness that may be caused by the high brightness on the road.

Are night driving glasses expensive?     

Many manufacturers sell driving glasses at an affordable price. You won’t have to break your bank to be able to buy a set night driving glasses. However, if you are going with glasses that come with high-definition eyeglass lenses, you might find them highly-priced.

Are night driving glasses safe?

As long as you are making your purchase from a reputable and credible seller, you can be 100% sure that your purchase is authentic. In case you wear prescription glasses, it is important for you to pay a visit to your ophthalmologist and optician and obtain a prescription for night driving glasses. Some night driving glasses are quite oversized and can be easily worn on your normal everyday glasses.

What are some tips that I should follow when driving at night?

Driving at night can be dangerous. If possible, try to complete all your errands during the day so that you don’t have to set out at night. However, if driving at night is absolutely necessary, here are some tips that you can follow to reduce danger:

• Make sure that your car’s windshield is spot-free. A dirty windshield creates blurred vision, which makes it difficult for drivers to see.
• Don’t drive if you’re too tired or haven’t slept for a while. Whenever you drive – be it during the day as well – make sure that your eyes are well-rested. Eyestrain is also one of the major causes of decreased night vision.
• Once your eyesight starts to decline, you cannot reverse it. It is advisable that you visit your optician and ophthalmologist regularly to keep your prescription updated.
• It is crucial for you to clean your eyeglass lenses for a better and clearer vision.
• Be sure that your headlights are working properly and are free from dirt.

The Final Word

Buying night driving glasses requires proper research. We have already discussed the top factors that you have to consider before finalizing your purchase. If you are still unsure about choosing one product, you can have a look at our top 3. This will make the decision-making process even easier for you:

The top pick:  The IONFORM Anti-Glare Night Driving Glasses, undoubtedly, tops our list of best night driving glasses mostly because of its impressive features and construction. It is manufactured with advanced technology and is available at a fair price.

The premium pick: Lumin Night Driving Glasses are available at a high price, but its amazing features justify its price tag. The glasses provide maximum protection to the wearer against UVA and UVB radiation.

The value pick: For people who are looking for a sportier look, the Blupond Night Driving Glasses are an ideal choice. The semi-rimless glasses provides a wider view. Its anti-slip nose bridge also prevents reflection on lenses.