Drivers should be aware of two conditions that could worsen the effects of 'headlight glare', which occurs when a vehicle's lights dazzle drivers. Posting advice for drivers, the RAC explained that people suffering from the problem might have one of two conditions, both of which are often 'symptomless' in the early stages, and so may 'silently' go unnoticed.
In a video shared on Facebook, the motoring experts spoke with Denise Voon from the College of Optometrists, discussing what can 'impact your perception of glare on the road'. Denise asked: "How does headlight glare affect your eyes as you get older?"
She answered: "As you get older, you can be more prone to certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, and this can make your perception of glare a lot worse. So it's really important that you see your optometrist regularly so that if you develop any of these conditions, often which are symptomless at the very early stages, they can be picked up early and treated."
According to the NHS, glaucoma is an eye condition where the main nerve connecting the eye to the brain becomes damaged. While anyone can get glaucoma, it is most common in adults aged fifty and over.
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision and vision loss, the NHS adds. It usually affects older adults, but younger people can be affected as well.
While people might experience 'headlight glare' without having either condition, it's important to attend regular eye tests because cataracts and glaucoma can worsen glare. RAC research suggests dazzling headlights are worsening for drivers, affecting drivers of all ages.
Research by the organisation shows drivers under the age of 35 are 'more likely to say most vehicle headlights are too bright.' In another Facebook video, RAC Senior Policy Officer Rod Dennis, the phenomenon could be linked to car design changes. He explained: "It could be down to the alignment of your headlights.
"An incorrectly aligned headlamp could be casting light into the wrong places on the road, and you could be accidentally dazzling other drivers. It could be down to changes in headlight technology.
"Previously, we all drove vehicles with yellower, halogen headlights. But these days, you're much more likely to be in a car with full LED headlights—a completely different technology."
The expert added: "It could be down to the use of retrofit LEDs, like these. They're very easy to find online, but they're not road-legal in the UK and can create dangerous levels of dazzle. It could be down to variations in vehicle height. More of us drive vehicles that sit higher on the road, but drivers of lower vehicles say that can cause them problems when it comes to dazzle."
Investigations into the problem are ongoing. The Department for Transport's new Road Safety Strategy outlines the government's plan to 'undertake further research aimed at identifying what vehicle design factors may be responsible for increased headlamp glare.'