6 tips for driving safely in the dark

We may not be there yet, but as autumn approaches and the clocks going back towards the end of October, many of us will have to get used to driving in the dark again. The RAC recently reported that around 40% of accidents take place at night. If you’re not used to driving in the dark or you tend to drive short distances, you could be more susceptible whilst driving in the dark.

Many motorists complain about feeling less confident driving during this time, including those that don’t have visual problems. The combination of reduced visibility with other factors like poor weather conditions or tiredness can raise the level of risk. Knowing the risks and being able to prevent them is important.

Here are our top tips to help you manage the perils of driving in the dark.

1. Keep your eyes moving and stay alert. The best way to avoid a collision during darkness is to watch for lights, check for any movement ahead and use your mirrors. It’s often the case that driving at night is more about watching for other driver’s mistakes rather than having to worry about your own.
2. It can much more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists, animals and debris that has been left on the carriageway. With this in mind, it’s important to keep your mirrors clean and having them pointed in a direction that will make it easier for you to see but also lose any glare, if possible.
3. Individual light sources are more intense at night so it’s important to not stare at oncoming lights. If you are having difficulty seeing, pull over and stop. If the glare from headlights is significant, it’s important to have a thorough eye examination, as this could be an indication of eye conditions such as cataracts or another medical issue.
4. Ensuring you have adequate eyesight or, the right prescription lenses to correct poor eyesight, is critical for driving. A regular test is very important as eyesight can deteriorate gradually. It is recommended that an eye test is carried out every two years for most people and annually for anyone over 60.
5. It is also important to consider an anti-reflective coating. This is the best option for anyone who requires glasses to drive. It will help to reduce glare by minimising the reflections within the lenses.
6. It is also worth having a spare pair of glasses with an up to date prescription which can be left in the car. Keep them clean too. It’s surprising how much of a difference this can make.

To help you be as confident as possible when driving in the dark, we offer a driving solution – Essilor RoadPilot lenses. These lenses are available in single vision or varifocals. They include the latest in reflection free technology – Crizal Drive and can provide you with up to 90% less reflections at night, leading to a decrease in glare. They also provide optimal clarity of vision during the day and night.

You don’t need to avoid driving at night. We can guide you on the best options for your lifestyle on and off the road. Book your eye appointment now with your local store.

Tired eyes? Could your digital life be to blame?

Amazingly over half of the world’s population is connected to the web leading to a surge in the use of digital devices. We’re all looking at our phones, tablets and laptops for much longer periods of time and on average switch between four different devices for work, education and leisure¹.

The ability to see correctly is so important but in this digitally connected world, our vision is often overlooked. By relying more on digital devices throughout the day, every day, our eyes are being compromised.

Tired and irritable eyes

Around three quarters of us suffer from tired eyes³. This can range from eye fatigue to dryness and blurry vision. Whether it’s playing the latest video game for a few hours, surfing the web, checking social media or sitting in a dimly lit room reading a novel, this activity can all contribute to eye fatigue.

And, the symptoms are many. Irritable and tired eyes, excessive tears, headaches, should and back ache, blurred or double vision are just a few.

So, what’s the solution?

• Take regular breaks by giving your eyes the chance to relax
• Sit at the correct distance away from your screen
• Make more effort to blink regularly
• Follow the ‘20-20-20 Rule’; every twenty minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Have a regular eye examination. We recommend at least every two years.

Time to think about glasses in a totally new way

We have access to the latest and most innovative solutions. Eyezen™ lenses are enhanced single vision lenses that provide sharper vision than ordinary single vision lenses and are available to everyone—whether you have a prescription or not.

They’re designed for those who live a connected life. So, if you work in front of a screen for most of the day or you are hooked on social media, Eyezen lenses could help to reduce eyestrain throughout the day.

Using unique technology, Eyezen lenses are designed to protect your eyes while you’re online, by preventing eye fatigue, improving readability, and reducing light glare.

By looking after your eyes during the day they won’t feel so uncomfortable and you’ll feel less tired, more productive and relaxed. And, with 92% of wearers satisfied with Eyezen₄, why wait?

Book an appointment now and we’ll help you find your perfect glasses frame and lens to suit your lifestyle.

¹ ² Consumer quantitative study conducted in 2014 among 4000 individuals in France, Brazil, China and the US by Ipsos for Essilor®
³Paillé, D., Impact of new digital technologies on posture, Points de Vue, International Review of Ophthalmic Optics, N72, Autumn 2015
₄ Eurosyn – 2016 – France (n=51)

Road Pilot

Introduction: With 34 million motorists in the UK(1), we are all spending more time on the road. Visual discomfort is a major concern, with fewer motorists want to drive during the night.

ENHANCE YOUR VISUAL COMFORT FOR SAFER DRIVING

Amazingly there are 34 million motorists in the UK(1) which account for around 60% of the population.

Without a doubt, we are all spending more time on the road with most journeys now made by road and the majority of these are made by car or van (2). Compared to the 1950s, a larger proportion of journeys were made by bus or coach compared to car or van (2).

However the same problem comes up every time we are behind the wheel: we don’t feel as comfortable when driving at night.

Lights at night can create reflections and glare on our glasses. They can come from all directions and different sources (headlights, traffic lights, street lamps), turning the driving experience into an inconvenience more than a real pleasure.

With 85% of people experiencing glare while driving (3), it’s understandable why 31% of people avoid driving during the night (4). Especially considering that more road accidents occur at night than during the day (5). In the fortnight directly after the clocks go back, there is an 11% increase (compared to the preceding two weeks)(6).

To help you be as safe and confident as possible, we can provide you with a new driving solution, Essilor Road Pilot lenses.

Available in single vision or Varilux lens designs, they also come automatically with Crizal Drive. A new premium anti-reflective coating that offers up to 90% less reflections at night*, leading to a decrease in glare(7). It also provides optimal clarity of vision during the day.

For an even more enhanced solution, choose Transitions XTRActive which is Ideal for active outdoor lifestyles and those who drive frequently.

1. The Eyecare Trust, October 2014
2. Department for Transport, 2016
3. Social Media Listening on Crizal® and Coatings, Medimix, 2015
4. The Eyecare Trust, populus surveyed 1,056 adults to reflect the UK population
5. The Eyecare Trust, Populus surveyed 1,056 adults weighted to reflect the UK population between 15 – 16 Oct 2014
6. Zurich Connect, 3 year study, http://www.zurich.co.uk
7. in-Life Wearers Test “AR day and night” Eyedrive GERMANY – 2016

* vs. a standard hard coat lens with no anti-reflective coating.

Sunwear

With the summer months now upon us, it’s safe to say that many of us will be setting off on another holiday to remember.

Sunglasses are the must-have accessory of the season and are more than just a fashion statement. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in a good quality pair of sunglasses now.

1. A good, quality pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. UV light, == which is invisible to the eye, is present all year long. Short-term exposure can result in discomfort but the long-term effect can cause more serious eye conditions such as cataracts.
2. There are a variety of sunglass lenses, including the following:
   • Polarised lenses: Great if you have an active outdoor lifestyle or do regular driving. They eliminate glare, enhance colour and contrast whilst protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.
   • Tinted lenses: These come in differing colours and shades and are great if you’re light-sensitive or whilst driving during bright sunlight.
   • Transitions: Also known as photochromic lenses react to ultraviolet light, causing the lenses to darken or lighten depending on the environment they are being worn.
3. There’s a shape, style and look for everyone. We have a collection of high quality sunglasses to suite your style and budget.

Transitions – Blog Article

With the summer months now upon us, it’s safe to say that many of us will be setting off on another holiday to remember. Whether it’s a city break to San Francisco or a relaxing Mediterranean retreat to the Almalfe coast, it’s time to pack those all important specs for maximum protection.

If you regularly wear specs, there has probably been a moment in time where you’ve been unhappy with them whilst being out in the sunshine. It can be annoying having to switch from your regular pair of spectacles to your prescription sunglasses whilst changing from one setting to another. It can be even more annoying if you don’t have any prescription sunglasses or you’ve completely forgotten to pack them.

Whilst these are minor complaints, you may find yourself experiencing these types of situations on a regular basis. Ultimately you want to ensure that you protect your eyes from harmful UV rays whilst being without the need to carry more than one pair of glasses around with you.

To combat this, many people opt for photochromic lenses which are also known as Transitions lenses. These are lenses adjust to changes in light to optimise your eyesight. When you’re exposed to ultraviolet light, the lenses darken to resemble sunglasses.

The moment you step outside wearing Transitions lenses you will understand why they are regarded as the number one photochromic lens worldwide. The ability to rapidly adapt to light condition changes, Transitions lenses can change from clear indoors to fully dark in the brightest sun.

The original Transitions lens introduced people to the balance of wearing one pair of glasses for both outdoors and in. Today, Transitions lenses rapidly filter light with industry leading photochromic dyes whilst blocking 100% UVA/UVB rays.

Unlike sunglasses, which have a set tint, Transitions lenses are constantly adapting to your surrounding light conditions. The constant and smooth transition allows you to see well in many different lighting conditions.

Transitions are also personalised to your style. No matter which glasses frame you choose, we can fit a transition lens. They are also suitable for all ages, including children.

Whilst it is important to choose your frame, it is also important to select the appropriate lens. Choose from the three classical Transitions colours, including Grey, Brown and Graphite Green or from four new colours including amethyst, emerald, sapphire or amber.

For an even more enhanced solution, choose Transitions XTRActive which is ideal for active outdoor lifestyles and those who drive frequently.