Driving might seem like just another part of our daily routine—something we do without a second thought. But in reality, it’s like a high-stakes game of high-speed chess! Zipping down the highway at over 60 miles an hour, we're part of an intricate dance with fellow drivers. This daily drive requires skill, anticipation, and split-second decisions—nailing those lane changes, perfecting your blinker timing, and smoothly tapping the brakes. And above all, sharp vision is key.
Clear sight is crucial for this dance. Surprisingly, in 2017, a survey found that nearly 2,000 road incidents in Great Britain weren't due to careless or distracted driving, but unexpected challenges like sudden weather shifts or blinding headlights. Despite these obstacles, while 83% of glasses-wearers use them while driving, 72% still
dream of a dedicated pair for the road, hoping for something that makes driving clearer and safer.
That’s where you, the eye care professional, come in. With an array of lens options for reading, computer use, and even outdoor activities like shooting and fishing, do you have something to enhance comfort, vision, and safety for drivers?
Lens Options
Step one in the optical journey: Acknowledge the problem.
When patients share their driving struggles or mention spending more time on the road than at the dinner table, it’s your moment to shine with specialized solutions.
For younger patients, single vision lenses might suffice, but those with high prescriptions or wrap frames can experience a limited sweet spot, leading to compromised peripheral vision. Enter compensated digital single-
vision lenses: These designs provide up to 35% more usable visual field, enhancing comfort and peripheral clarity.
For older patients wearing progressives, high-end premium lenses offer improved reading and intermediate zones, with enhanced distance vision that feels panoramic. And for those professional drivers—long-haul truckers, Uber, and Lyft drivers—our IcareLabs Heritage Driver PAL is designed for the road, with a wide intermediate and extended distance zone, perfect for those who need a clear view of the road, not small print.
Coatings
Non-glare coatings are the essential finishing touch for any pair of glasses, especially for night driving. They reduce halos and glare from oncoming traffic, giving drivers a clearer, more comfortable view of the road. With many cars now featuring intense halogen lights, a solid anti-reflective coating makes a huge difference by minimizing that “blinding light show” effect.
For daytime driving, polarized lenses with a mirror coating are game-changers. They cut glare from wet roads, ice, snow, and other vehicles while providing tint and UV protection. They’re not only stylish but add a layer of safety that’s indispensable on sunny days. Personally, I never leave home without mine!
Crossing the Finish Line
In the world of optics, where lens options are as varied as a box of chocolates, there’s a perfect match for every patient’s driving needs. For those clocking serious miles, the right lenses and coatings can make a real difference—or even save lives.
Take time to understand each patient’s driving challenges, tailor your recommendations, and watch your patient satisfaction and sales accelerate. You’ll both feel like you’ve crossed the finish line in first place!
