What Are Those Streaks of Light at Night When Driving—and How Can I Fix It?

If you’ve ever noticed bright streaks or halos around lights while driving at night, you’re not alone. Many people experience this frustrating visual distortion, and it’s often a sign of a common eye condition known as astigmatism. At The Look Eyecare Center, with convenient locations in Georgetown, SC, and Charleston, SC, our experienced optometrists are here to help you understand what’s going on with your vision—and how to fix it.

Q: What causes the streaks or glare I see around lights at night?

A: These streaks, halos, or starburst effects around lights—especially headlights and streetlights—are usually caused by astigmatism. Astigmatism is a refractive error, just like nearsightedness or farsightedness. It occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye is irregularly shaped, more like a football than a perfectly round basketball. This irregular shape prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision.

At night, when your pupils dilate to let in more light, these imperfections in the eye become even more noticeable, leading to streaks and glare that make nighttime driving difficult or even dangerous.

Q: What is astigmatism, exactly?

A: Astigmatism is a very common eye condition. In fact, most people have at least a mild form of it. It happens when the cornea (the front surface of the eye) or the lens inside the eye is not perfectly round. This results in multiple focal points hitting the retina instead of just one, causing blurred or distorted vision.

If you have astigmatism, you may experience:

• Blurry vision at any distance
• Eye strain or discomfort
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving
• Light sensitivity

Q: How do glasses or contact lenses help?

A: The good news is that glasses and contact lenses can correct astigmatism very effectively. Special lenses known as toric lenses are designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the eye, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. This eliminates those streaks and glare that can make night driving so stressful.

Whether you prefer stylish eyeglass frames or the convenience of contact lenses, the team at The Look Eyecare Center in Georgetown and Charleston can help fit you with the perfect solution tailored to your lifestyle and level of astigmatism.

Q: Are contact lenses better than glasses for night driving?

A: It depends on your personal preference and how your eyes respond to different types of correction. Some people find that custom-fitted toric contact lenses provide sharper vision, especially at night, because they move with your eye and reduce peripheral distortion. Others prefer the consistency and lower maintenance of glasses.

During your comprehensive eye exam at The Look Eyecare Center, we’ll evaluate your vision needs, your eye shape, and your daily habits to recommend the best option for you.

Q: How do I know if I have astigmatism?

A: The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive eye exam. Our optometrists will measure how your eyes focus light and check for any irregularities in the shape of your cornea or lens. If astigmatism is detected, we’ll discuss your best correction options, whether that’s glasses, contact lenses, or even refractive surgery in some cases.

Q: How can The Look Eyecare Center help?

A: At The Look Eyecare Center in Georgetown, SC and Charleston, SC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating astigmatism. Our team uses the latest technology to assess your vision and create a custom treatment plan to help you see clearly—especially when it matters most, like while driving at night.

We offer:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Custom prescription glasses and contact lenses
• Astigmatism-specific vision correction options
• Friendly, local care you can trust

Don’t let blurry night vision or light streaks slow you down. Schedule your eye exam with The Look Eyecare Center today—serving Georgetown and Charleston, South Carolina—and drive with confidence again.

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