Road safety tips - World Sight Day 2018

Friday, 5 October 2018 by Vision Direct

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To mark World Sight Day 2018 our parent company Essilor have launched Putvisionfirst.com. Visit the site to learn 3 simple good eye health habits to improve your road safety. Why should you be concerned? Well, 'Brake' the road safety charity estimates that 3,000 casualties a year are caused by poor vision. And, as a contact lens wearer with a diagnosed eye condition, you are at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Don’t worry, there are many simple steps you can take to ensure your journeys are safe and your eyes remain comfortable.

Female eye doctor performing eye test

Have regular eye tests

As a contact lens wearer, you should visit your eye care specialist at least every 2 years, or as soon as your eyes or vision feel uncomfortable.

During an eye test, your optician will discover any changes in your vision and can recommend a suitable brand of contact lenses.

If you have difficulty seeing objects at distance, for example, road signs, or sometimes experience blurry vision you should book in an eye test ASAP.

Consider daily lenses

Daily disposable contact lenses can help reduce any discomfort you feel whilst driving. Daily disposables may be more comfortable as you wear a fresh pair every day, meaning they’ll always be completely clean and free of irritating build-ups of protein that can gather.

Sun glare when driving a car

Protect your eyes from glare

It’s a sunny day and the glare is driving (pun intended) you crazy. The solution is simple, by wearing sunglasses over your contact lenses you’ll minimise the glare of the sun, enabling you to drive more safely and comfortably.

Sunglasses can also act as a barrier for your eyes against air conditioning, reducing the possibility of dry eyes developing. Moreover, sunglasses will help protect your eyes against UV damage, so the benefits are overwhelming.

Remember to take them off at night time or in gloomy, overcast conditions.

Air conditioning

Air con is fantastic on a hot day, but for contact lens wearers it can lead to dry, uncomfortable eyes. So be sure to either direct the air con vent away from your eyes whilst driving to make your trip more comfortable and safe, as the fewer distractions you face, the more focused you’ll be on what’s around you.

Regular breaks

Taking regular breaks during long journeys is essential, not only for refreshing your eyes while driving but keeping your other senses more alert. ROPSA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, recommends taking at least one break for every 2 hours of driving. Pulling over also gives you the opportunity to apply eye drops if your eyes are feeling uncomfortable. Eye drops quickly soothe dry, red and irritated eyes.

Adjust your lenses

If your lenses have become dislodged or feel uncomfortable during driving, ensure you stop somewhere safe before correcting them.

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