Safeguard your sight for the winter weather

Published: November 10, 2024
Last reviewed by: Leightons Clinical Team
Last reviewed: January 28, 2026

How can you safeguard your sight for poor weather conditions? Invest in a pair of anti-glare driving glasses and sunglasses this winter to keep your vision safe in the cold weather.

After a long day, driving home in the dark and murky weather is at the bottom of anyone’s wish list.

With the early nights rolling in at 4.30pm, most of us find ourselves driving in the pitch black with the rain striking on our windscreens. All that glare from the artificial lights on the M4 isn’t going to be easy on your eyes.

It’s worth considering changing road conditions, as the lights from street lamps and cars will reflect off puddles and any wet surfaces causing extra glare.

To make sure you have optimal vision for night driving, we recommend getting some anti-glare glasses. These have a special coating on the lenses that helps reduce glare in all weather conditions and makes your view clearer, making them great for safe driving. And the great news is the anti-glare technology will work with almost all types of regular prescription glasses!

Even when walking in the day, glasses can help you as well. The best way for protecting your vision when in the great outdoors during the day, is to wear sunglasses which will work against harsh light from reflections off wet surfaces, puddles and snow.

Here at Leightons, we offer anti-glare coating on lots of different stylish glasses for driving as well as top of the range sunglasses – book an appointment with us today and check out the range available at your local Leightons practice.

Sunny days

Woman in winter sunglasses

While winter doesn’t often bring to mind thoughts of bright sunny weather, the fact is: sunny winter days can make driving especially hazardous.

As the sun stays lower in the sky during winter months, this means it is often right in your eyeline making it difficult to see properly.

So even though you might have said goodbye to your sunglasses with your summer swimsuit, it’s important to keep a pair in the car to stay safe on the roads. It’s time to think about more than just your driving glasses.

Cataracts

If you have cataracts, you’ll be more sensitive to light, which can make glare from the sun or car headlamps even more difficult to cope with.

It’s extra important for you to wear sunglasses during the day and anti-glare driving glasses at night to ensure your vision is safe on the road.

If you’re concerned about your cataracts obscuring your vision, book an appointment with us today and we can advise you on the best course of action. You can book online, over the phone on 0800 40 20 20 or at your local store.

Dry eyes

Thanks to heating in the home, cold winds and lower humidity, another problem for your eyes during the winter months can be dryness.

Dry eyes can be sore and itchy, as well as causing blurry vision and excessive watering, so it’s a good idea to follow these tips to keep them hydrated and healthy:

  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Drink lots of water
  • Use eye drops
  • Buy a humidifier
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Take breaks when looking at screens

Whether you're looking to improve your driving experience or need sunglasses for walks, we’re here to help.

Here to help

Call us on 0800 40 20 20 to book an appointment with one of our expert optometrists. You can also book an appointment online.

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What the Government’s road safety proposals could mean for your eyesight
What the Government’s road safety proposals could mean for your eyesight
In January 2026, the UK Government published proposals as part of its Road Safety Strategy, including a consultation on whether drivers aged 70+ should have mandatory eyesight checks. Nothing has changed yet. This is a consultation, which means the Government is asking for views before deciding what happens next. Still, it is a useful reminder that good vision is a key part of safer driving, for you and everyone around you. If you want reassurance about your eyesight for driving, we can help. Book an eye test What’s being proposed for drivers aged 70+? The Government is consulting on the idea of introducing regular eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over as part of licence renewal. The aim is to reduce risk linked to age-related changes such as: gradual changes in sharpness of vision reduced contrast sensitivity (seeing clearly in low light) greater sensitivity to glare slower reaction times and other health factors that can affect driving Key point: These are proposals, not new rules. No extra testing has been introduced at this stage. Driving eyesight standards: what applies right now? Current legal eyesight standards still apply to all drivers, whatever your age. The Road Safety Strategy proposals also reinforce increased use of roadside eyesight checks by police. If a driver fails a roadside eyesight test, the DVLA may take action, including removing a licence. If you are unsure whether you meet the standard, an eye examination is the simplest way to check and get clear advice. Check my vision for driving Struggling with glare at night? You’re not alone The proposals also highlight research showing many drivers have reduced or stopped night driving due to headlamp glare, with brighter LED headlights and taller vehicles thought to contribute. If night driving feels harder than it used to, it could be down to: a change in your prescription early lens changes in the eye dry eye glare sensitivity or reduced contrast An eye test can help identify what is going on, and we can talk through practical options such as lens choices and coatings designed to improve comfort when driving at night. Why regular eye tests matter more as we get older Vision changes can be subtle, and many people adapt without realising their eyesight has dropped below what is comfortable or safe for driving. A routine eye test helps you: stay confident behind the wheel spot changes early keep your prescription up to date get tailored advice if you drive at night or in poor weather If you’re 70+, we recommend keeping your eye tests regular, even if your vision feels “fine”. How Leightons can help At Leightons, our focus is simple: helping you see clearly and stay confident in everyday life, including on the road. With an eye test, you will get: a professional check of your vision and eye health clear, practical advice about your vision for driving support if you have concerns about glare, night driving, or changing eyesight
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