Can people with astigmatism drive at night?

In general, individuals with properly corrected astigmatism and good night vision may drive at night, while those with uncorrected or improperly corrected astigmatism should avoid nighttime driving. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a medical professional in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If astigmatism has been accurately corrected using methods such as eyeglasses or contact lenses—with appropriate correction of both astigmatic power and axis—individuals can clearly recognize road markings, vehicle lights, and pedestrians during nighttime driving, without experiencing symptoms like double vision, blurriness, or glare. Provided they are well-rested before driving and do not experience eye fatigue or discomfort, nighttime driving may be conducted safely under these conditions.

However, if astigmatism remains uncorrected or the corrective lenses have inaccurate prescription or axis alignment, the refractive error caused by astigmatism tends to worsen under low-light conditions at night. This may lead to double vision, blurred perception of road edges, intense glare from oncoming headlights, and difficulty judging road conditions accurately, significantly increasing the risk of traffic accidents such as rear-end collisions or other crashes. In such cases, nighttime driving is not recommended.

Individuals with astigmatism should ensure their corrective lenses are properly fitted and provide clear vision before driving at night. While driving, they should maintain a moderate speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid prolonged continuous driving. If eye fatigue or blurred vision occurs, they should stop and rest promptly, and if necessary, switch to another driver.