If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at the dashboard during a night drive, or hesitating to get behind the wheel after dark, you’re not alone—and you might be facing a risk you didn’t even know existed.

For many Australians over 40, a little-known vision condition could be quietly making night-time driving more dangerous than you realise.



Sydney local Belinda Garvanovich, 52, knows this all too well. For years, she dreaded driving at night, so much so that she’d hand the keys to her husband or push her kids to get their licences early, just so she could avoid the stress.

But one evening, her anxiety turned into a real scare. 'One time at a carpark at night, I couldn’t see properly and went into a pole… next weekend I had an appointment booked in with my optometrist,' she shared.

The culprit was presbyopia—a word that might sound unfamiliar, but the effects are anything but rare.

This age-related condition affects your ability to focus on close-up objects, and it sneaks up on nearly everyone as they get older. In fact, millions of Aussies may have it without even realising.



What is Presbyopia, and Why Should You Care?
Presbyopia typically starts to rear its blurry head around age 40. It’s not a disease, but a natural part of ageing where the lens of your eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on things up close.

You might notice yourself holding your phone at arm’s length, struggling to read small print, or needing more light to see clearly.

But it’s not just about reading the fine print on your medication or squinting at the crossword. As optometrist Greeshma Patel explains, presbyopia can have serious implications for your safety.

'Presbyopia can affect nearly everyone as they age… but the term itself isn’t widely known,' she explained. 'People often attribute their blurry near vision to just 'getting older' or 'tired eyes' rather than a specific condition.'

'When your eyes struggle to focus on near objects, it also affects their ability to quickly adapt focus between different distances,' Patel says. 'This means a driver might find it difficult to clearly read the dashboard, then instantly switch focus to road signs in the distance, or to spot pedestrians on dimly lit streets. It’s not just about reading a book—it’s about safe driving.'

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The Startling Stats: Are You at Risk?
A recent survey by Specsavers, following the longest night of the year experienced by Aussies, revealed that 72% of Australians aged 35 to 50 have never even heard of presbyopia, despite more than half reporting close-up vision problems.

Even more concerning, 38% admitted to erratic driving at night due to poor vision, and 8% said they’d actually had a car accident as a result. Over half (57%) have felt unsafe driving at night because of their eyesight.

With Australia facing a worrying rise in road deaths, especially during the darker winter months, vision is an often-overlooked risk factor. It’s not just about confidence behind the wheel—it’s about everyone’s safety on the road.

Spot the Signs Before It’s Too Late
So, how do you know if presbyopia is creeping up on you? Here are some tell-tale signs:

- You’re holding your phone or books further away to read them
- You need brighter light to see clearly
- You struggle with small text or fine print
- You find it hard to quickly switch focus between the dashboard and the road

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Many people brush these symptoms off as just 'getting older' or 'tired eyes,' but ignoring them can have real consequences—especially when you’re driving.

Don’t Put It Off: The Simple Solution
The good news? Presbyopia is easy to manage.

Reading glasses, bifocals, multifocal lenses, contact lenses, or even corrective surgery can all help restore your vision and your confidence behind the wheel.

Belinda now wears 'night glasses' when she drives and urges others not to delay: 'Don’t put it off like me—get it checked ASAP.'

Optometrist Greeshma Patel is calling for more public awareness and regular eye checks. 'Eye tests are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card, but many people still don’t prioritise them unless something is seriously wrong,' she says. 'Workarounds like increasing screen text or borrowing someone else’s glasses may help short term, but they delay getting the proper treatment.'



Tips for Safer Night Driving Over 60
- Book an eye test every two years (or sooner if you notice changes)
- Use appropriate glasses or lenses for driving, especially at night
- Keep your windscreen clean and headlights bright
- Avoid driving when tired or in poor weather conditions
- Don’t ignore changes in your vision—get them checked promptly

Related stories:

• Safety advocate shares massive road crisis costing billions every year
• Elderly Australians rejoice as this new drug reverses devastating eye condition

Have you noticed changes in your night vision? Do you have any tips for safer driving as we get older? Share your experiences in the comments below!