Why we should wear anti-glare glasses while driving

With the dark and wet winter weather well and truly here, driving can become just a little more hazardous at this time of year. If you’re planning on driving for work, family or friends, with lots of road travel planned, here’s why it’s essential to wear anti-glare glasses.

Wet weather

Late autumn and winter mean more rain, which also makes glare worse – reflecting the light off wet roads and overwhelming our eyesight. The problem doesn’t go away once the sun’s gone down, with reflective glare from artificial lighting and bright headlights too.

HOYA EnRoute - The anti-glare lens coatings

Our expert dispensing opticians offer specially designed lens coatings for driving, such as Hoya’s award-winning Drive and EnRoute lenses. They are perfect for low-light conditions when dark tinted sunglasses would be more of a hindrance than a help. This lens coating helps your vision remain clear and relaxed at any distance, with enhanced contrast to improve clarity and colour perception.

Animated comparison of driving vision with standard lenses versus Hoya EnRoute lenses, highlighting reduced glare and improved clarity for nighttime driving.

The special technology in these lenses can be applied to almost any pair of regular prescription eyeglasses (both single vision and progressive), reducing glare in sunny, rainy and foggy conditions and offering clearer vision for safer driving, particularly at night.

Man driving at night in glasses

See Now. Pay Later.

If you’re interested in trying our specially designed lenses for driving, why not make use of our See Now, Pay Later plan? Spread the cost of your lenses over 10 monthly payments, with 0% interest.

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Low sun

As the days get shorter, the sun sits low in the sky, becoming a problem when we find ourselves driving (or walking) directly into the sun. The blinding light of the sun combined with glare — reflected sunlight from other surfaces, like roads and windows – obscures our vision, increases the chance of accidents, and can potentially cause damage to our eyes.

While wearing anti-glare glasses for driving is a great way to reduce glare and increase your road safety at night, sunglasses can help with low sun. Polarised sunglasses work by filtering out the flattened waves produced by reflected light and improving colour and contrast; making sure you can clearly see what’s going on around you.

Visit us

Leightons offer a great range of glasses for driving, as well as prescription and non-prescription polarised sunglasses. If you’re interested in experiencing the difference this technology can make to your winter driving, simply call us on 0800 40 20 20, book an appointment online or visit your local Leightons practice.

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Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
If you experience migraines or frequent headaches, you may have noticed that light can make symptoms feel worse. Bright environments, glare or certain patterns can trigger discomfort and make it harder to focus. Many people searching for migraine glasses in the UK are looking for ways to reduce these visual triggers. While glasses cannot treat migraines themselves, certain lenses, including carefully selected tinted lenses, can help improve visual comfort and reduce the impact of light. If you are exploring your options, it can also help to understand how tinted lenses for everyday comfort and clarity and everyday use.   Why light can trigger migraines and headaches For many people, migraines are closely linked to how the brain processes light. Bright or flickering light, glare from screens, or high-contrast environments can place extra strain on the visual system. This can lead to: Increased light sensitivity (photophobia) Eye strain and visual discomfort Difficulty focusing Headaches triggered or worsened by bright environments Some people may also experience visual stress, where patterns or contrast make text or surroundings feel uncomfortable or unstable.   What are migraine glasses? The term migraine glasses is often used to describe glasses designed to reduce light sensitivity and visual discomfort. In many cases, these involve tinted lenses that help soften brightness and reduce the intensity of certain light wavelengths. One commonly referenced option is FL-41 tinted lenses, which use a rose-based tint designed to filter specific parts of the light spectrum. Some people find this type of tint more comfortable, particularly in environments with artificial lighting or screen use. However, there is no single tint that works for everyone, and results can vary.   Do FL-41 lenses work for migraines? FL-41 lenses are often discussed in relation to migraines, and some people report improved comfort when using them. They are designed to reduce certain wavelengths of light that may be linked to visual discomfort. However, it is important to understand that: They do not prevent or treat migraines Their effectiveness varies between individuals They are one of several tinted options, not the only solution For many people, a personalised approach to tinted lenses can be more effective than choosing a single standard tint.   How tinted lenses can help Tinted lenses work by reducing overall brightness and improving how your eyes respond to light and contrast. For some people, this can help: Reduce visual discomfort in bright environments Soften glare from screens and artificial lighting Make reading or focusing feel easier Create a more relaxed visual experience If your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity or visual stress, you may also benefit from understanding the different types of tinted lenses and colours available, as some tones feel more comfortable than others.   Tinted lenses vs blue light glasses You may also come across blue light glasses when searching for migraine solutions. Blue light lenses are designed to filter a portion of light from digital screens and may help reduce glare for some people. However, there is currently limited evidence to show that they reduce migraines or prevent headaches. These lenses can enhance warmer tones, meaning a white background may appear slightly softer or more sepia in tone, similar to the setting often used on e-readers. Tinted lenses tend to offer a broader approach by reducing overall brightness and improving contrast, which may feel more beneficial if your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity rather than screen use alone. Compare blue light lenses vs tinted lenses to understand which is right for your needs.   Finding the right tint for you There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to migraine glasses. The way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. Some people find relief with softer tones such as rose or grey, while others benefit from more specific colours tailored to their visual response. If visual stress is a contributing factor, a personalised assessment such as a colourimetry visual stress test can help identify which tint feels most comfortable for you.   Start with a full eye examination Before choosing tinted lenses or migraine glasses, it is important to understand what is causing your symptoms. A comprehensive eye examination allows us to assess your vision, check for underlying eye conditions, and understand how your eyes respond to light. From there, our qualified dispensing opticians can guide you towards the most appropriate options for your needs.   Takeaway Migraines and headaches can affect everyone differently, and the way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. While glasses cannot treat migraines, the right lenses can help reduce visual triggers such as brightness and glare, making everyday environments feel more comfortable. Tinted lenses, including options similar to FL-41, may help some people by softening light and improving visual comfort, particularly where light sensitivity or visual stress is a factor. However, there is no single solution that works for everyone, which is why a personalised approach is so important. At Leightons, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle and how your eyes respond to light. Starting with a comprehensive eye examination by one of our optometrists, our qualified dispensing opticians can advise on the correct lens solution or you, whether that involves tailored tinted lenses or further assessment such as colourimetry. Book an appointment Find your nearest branch
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