Why Am I Having Trouble Seeing While Driving at Night?

Baptist Eye Surgeons • October 19, 2022

Trouble seeing while driving at night or engaging in other activities is known as night blindness ( nyctalopia ). It’s not an eye condition but a symptom of an underlying eye condition that needs to be treated, such as retinal issues. Treatments vary based on the underlying cause so it’s important to talk to your Knoxville eye doctor who can diagnose your night vision problems and develop a treatment plan. astigmatism poor night vision

You can experience trouble seeing while driving at night for a number of reasons including cataracts, nearsightedness, astigmatism, and diabetes. The best way to diagnose the cause of your particular night driving problem is with a comprehensive eye exam. There are also questions you can ask yourself to tell if you should schedule an exam.

Why Is It Hard for Me To See at Night While Driving?

There can be a number of problems you experience that make it difficult to drive at night. Glare from oncoming traffic, difficulty transitioning from light to dark vision, and halos around lights can all cause problems. These symptoms can have different causes so it’s important to talk to your ophthalmologist so you can get the treatment that you need.

Cataracts

Your eye works a lot like a film camera. A healthy lens lets light enter the eye and helps to focus it on your retina, creating the images that you see. However, the lens can become clouded as time passes, resulting in blurry vision. This results in a cataract and it can cause trouble seeing while driving at night as well as during other daily activities.

Cataracts are especially common in older adults. This is because the proteins in the lens of the eye deteriorate naturally over time, clumping together as they break down.

This results in the lenses of your eyes becoming:

Thick
Cloudy
More rigid

Cataracts are a slow process that can take years to notice. While this gives you time to prepare, failure to treat them can have serious repercussions for your vision and quality of life. At Baptist Eye Surgeons, our eye surgeons are trained in all aspects of eye health including cataract diagnosis and treatment.

Click here to read our definitive guide to cataracts!

Nearsightedness and Astigmatism

Nearsightedness can have a major impact on your nighttime vision by making it more difficult to see for longer distances in the dark. This can especially be a problem if you haven’t updated your glasses or contacts prescription in a while.

Also known as myopia , nearsightedness is caused by a refractive error. This occurs when light can’t focus on your retina due to your eye being misshapen. In the case of nearsightedness, this can be caused by:

The eyeball is too long from front to back
The cornea is too curved
A misshapen lens

Astigmatism is when light enters the eye and does not have a common focus. This can result in distortion in your vision, increased glare, and halos.

The end result is objects that are far away appear blurred. Symptoms can be even worse while driving at night due to already less than ideal seeing conditions.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes then you run a higher risk of having trouble seeing while driving at night compared to other people. The high blood sugar associated with diabetes progressively damages nerves and blood cells in your eyes.

This can eventually lead to diabetic retinopathy which comes in two types:

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in your retina rupture, making vision loss a very real possibility. Proliferative retinopathy is the more severe of the two. It occurs when your body creates new, abnormal blood vessels to replace the damaged ones. Both types can cause trouble seeing while driving at night and during the daytime.

To learn more about how diabetes can affect your vision, click here !

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic eye diseases that cause cells in the retina to break down. This process happens gradually over time, eventually resulting in vision loss. Unlike cataracts which tend to occur later in life, symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa often start in early childhood.

Learn Why You’re Having Trouble Seeing While Driving at Night With a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Comprehensive eye exams aren’t like the vision screenings you may remember from school. While they will help you see the whiteboard more clearly, they’re real purpose is to view the inner structures of your eye. This is thanks to the dilating eye drops used during the exam. They give our Knoxville eye doctors a more detailed view of your vision and eye health.

Comprehensive eye exams allow us to catch vision problems long before symptoms begin to appear. This includes issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They also allow us to catch health issues beyond your vision including hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

These exams should be prioritized based on age. Those under the age of 40 need them every 5 to 10 years. Patients between the ages of 40 and 54 should get comprehensive eye exams every 2 to 4 years. As you age, you’ll need them more often with patients aged 55 – 64 needing them every 1 to 3 years. Those aged 65 and up should get one every 1 to 2 years.

How Do I Test Myself for Night Blindness?

Night blindness can have different causes so your symptoms may vary. Your eye doctor is the final authority on whether you have night blindness or other vision problems. However, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to tell if you should come in for a comprehensive exam.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), ask yourself if you have trouble:

Walking through your home at night, even with night lights
Recognizing people’s faces in dimly lit environments
Adjusting to dark rooms and other poorly lit environments
Adjusting to brightly lit environments when coming in from the dark

If you said yes to any of these questions then you should schedule an appointment with one of our Knoxville ophthalmologists immediately. They will be able to diagnose what’s causing your trouble seeing while driving at night and any other issues you may be having. Even more importantly, they can provide treatment so you can see more clearly whenever it’s dark.

Are you having trouble seeing while driving at night and need a comprehensive eye exam? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Trouble seeing while driving at night can occur for a variety of reasons including cataracts, nearsightedness, and diabetes. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to learn the cause of your particular problem and get the treatment that you need. You can also ask yourself certain questions to determine if you need to come in for a comprehensive eye exam.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment .

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What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026

A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions. Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026

Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development. If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026

Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age.