Tips from a Pilot for Seeing at Night

night-vision-pilotMy husband was a fighter pilot for many years.  Little did I know that all that fighter pilot, night-flying training would make him an expert on night vision!

I noticed that he occasionally did strange things.  If we were driving at night and stopped at a bright gas station, he would pump gas with one eye closed.  Weird, right?

I also noticed he was a fanatic about his sunglasses.  I could walk outside, get in the car, and drive for a few minutes before I realized I needed mine. But, my husband can’t open the door without wearing his.

These mysteries, and a few others, have lived in our marriage for a decade, but last night they were solved!  My husband explained the way he was trained to preserve his night vision!  I checked these strategies with my optometrist and sure enough, they are right on.

Here are 3 strategies from a pilot for seeing better at night:

Keep It Dim for 30 Before

Ever notice that when you come out of a bright store after dark it’s really hard to see?  But, if you come out of a dimly lit restaurant it’s not quite as hard?  There’s a reason for that.  Your eyes do not transition quickly. It takes about 30 minutes for them to fully adjust.  So, if you must drive in the dark, try to keep the lighting around you as dark as possible for as long as you can before you leave.  If you are driving overnight and stop somewhere bright, try my husband’s trick and keep one eye closed. You’ll look odd but one eye will then remain adjusted while the other refocuses.

Look to the Side

The rod cells in your eye are what you need to see in low light.  The way these cells are positioned in your eye makes it easier to see objects in low light out of your periphery vision rather than looking at them straight on.  So, if you want to see specific objects better at night, try looking to the side of them, rather than staring at them straight on.

Cover Your Eyes

Really struggling?  Then sit still for about 30 seconds and gently cover your closed eyes, relaxing and making things as dark as possible for your eyes.  At first your vision will turn white, and then it will eventually turn black again. When you open your eyes your night vision should be a little better.

Night vision problems can also be a sign that you need glasses, so ask your optometrist if you are consistently having problems.

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2 Responses

  1. .Linda Pearl says:

    How much for your most expensive no line bifocals lens and frames. For a lady

    • Claire Rozeman says:

      Hi Linda,
      Pricing is determined based on the lens options you choose. One of our associates would be happy to help you find the best option for you. You can find the closest America’s Best at americasbest.com to visit us and find the perfect glasses for you!

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