Autumn has a way of catching us off guard. One minute you’re enjoying golden leaves and crisp air, the next you’re squinting against the glare of a low sun—or struggling to make out road signs in the dim light of dusk. For your eyes, this season can be one of the trickiest times of year to drive safely.
Why Autumn Driving Challenges Your Eyes
1. Shorter days
With the clocks changing and evenings drawing in, more of us find ourselves driving home in low light. Our eyes naturally take longer to adjust from bright conditions to dim ones, which can make dusk driving harder.
2. Low sun and glare
That golden autumn sun might look beautiful, but when it’s hanging low on the horizon, it creates strong glare that makes it tough to see traffic lights, pedestrians, and even the car in front of you.
3. Changing weather
Mist, rain, and damp roads are all part of autumn. Add car headlights reflecting off wet tarmac and your eyes are working double-time to process what’s happening around you.
4. Tired eyes
As days get shorter and routines get busier, many of us spend more time indoors on screens. That extra screen time can leave eyes feeling strained and less responsive when it comes to adapting to dusk.
Tips to Keep Your Vision Clear on the Road
Luckily, there are simple ways to help your eyes cope with autumn’s challenges:
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Keep your lenses clean: Smudged glasses or dirty windscreens scatter light and make glare worse. |
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Check your prescription: If it’s been a while since your last eye test, autumn is a great time to update your glasses. Even a slight prescription change can improve night and dusk vision |
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Go anti-glare: Glasses with anti-reflective coatings can cut down on glare from headlights and streetlights. |
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Rest your eyes: Take regular screen breaks and try the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. |
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Mind your lights: Make sure your car’s headlights are clean and working properly—your eyes will thank you. |
The Bottom Line
Autumn might be beautiful, but it’s also demanding on your eyes—especially at dusk. If you’ve noticed more difficulty driving as the nights draw in, don’t ignore it. A quick eye test can make all the difference to your confidence and safety on the road.
At Eye Emporium, we’re here to help keep your vision sharp and comfortable—whatever the season.
