Are you one of the many who avoid late-night driving after the sun sets? A lack of light challenges your vision and makes important details (potholes, we’re looking at you) get lost in the void of darkness.

On the flipside of this lack of natural light, we are met with the ever-present glow of harsh, oncoming headlights. We all know the impact of too-bright headlights traveling the opposite direction, or the uncomfortable, blinding reflection in your rearview mirror from the car behind. You squint as you try to make out the road ahead while ultimately being left distracted. Or even worse, unable to see.

And what about our contact wearers? Chances are you are all too familiar with the starburst effect. A hazy explosion of light surrounds each circle of headlights, traffic lights, and any other glowing source you may encounter.

Whether you wear contacts, prescription glasses, or are among the lucky 20/20, night driving poses new risks to all of our vision. The real question is, "What can we do about it?”


Table of Contents

1. Myth Debunked: Yellow Lenses Help Night Driving
2. A Better Solution: Anti-Reflective Coating
3. Night Driving Glasses
4. Prescription Night Driving Glasses


Join Sunglass Rob & Eyeglass Tyler as they explore popular ideas towards this misunderstood eyewear. Stay tuned for the end to discover the one must-have component for your night driving glasses!


Myth Debunked: Yellow Lenses Help Night Driving

The claim: yellow lenses increase contrast, which ultimately brightens your environment, making it the ideal choice for night driving.

A popular misconception is to apply the daytime benefits of yellow glasses to evening hours. Although it is true that a yellow-tinted lens can soften harsh lights, this very benefit can be detrimental at night rather than helpful. When there is a tint on a lens, it acts as a filter to block out certain light. A yellow-based lens actively works to prevent all light from entering our eyes (which is why we love it so much during the day). But, at night when we need as much light as possible, this filter effect goes against our vision needs.

Even though we do not recommend yellow lenses for driving, we also understand that everyone’s vision needs and preferences are unique. There is no arguing that there is a loyal fanbase to yellow-tinted lenses for night driving. At SportRx, we’re big believers in doing best by YOUR vision and needs. If yellow driving glasses work well for you, we're not here to judge!


A Better Solution: Anti-Reflective Coating

At night, we are presented with (1) a lack of natural light and (2) too much blinding light from headlights. How can we address both issues that are essentially on opposite ends of the light spectrum? The answer: A quality anti-reflective coating.

To understand why an AR coating is the ideal solution for your night driving glasses, let’s breakdown what this coating does to your lenses. AR is a coating that is applied to both the front and back of the lenses. It reduces glare and reflections off the surface of the lens (a common misconception is that it diminishes glare off objects, but that is not the case). As a result, the AR coating blocks the distracting light created by glare and reflections, while allowing the beneficial light to travel through to your eyes. In short, more “good” light reaching your eyes = easier for you to see during your night commute.

For ultra HD vision, Maui Jim has a lens that's made specifically for night driving. It has AR on both sides, properties that reduce glare from headlights and streetlights, and makes things appear more vivid. Read more about Maui High Contrast.


Night Driving Glasses

For our 20/20 friends, you may be wondering how you too can benefit from night driving glasses. At SportRx, we're all about inclusivity and creating the perfect pair of eyewear based on your personal needs. Give us a call, chat, or email and we'll be happy to discuss a non-prescription pair of night driving glasses made just for you. The good news? Your perfect vision means you can pick any frame in our lineup of eyeglasses. Lucky you!

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Prescription Night Driving Glasses Online at SportRx

Already wear prescription? You’re in luck, because there couldn’t be an easier way to improve your night driving. Simply add an AR coating to your next pair of lenses! A common offering by all eyewear brands, you're only one-step away from a more comfortable driving experience.

At SportRx, we understand the importance of prescription eyewear and only offer the best styles in your prescription. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription nighttime driving glasses.

Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your night driving glasses for 45 days and if you don't love them, simply let us know. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription nighttime driving glasses at SportRx today!

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