No One Noticed that Kennedy couldn’t see out of her left eye - not even her parents. Read more about Kennedy's story
Hey kids
Check out these awesome games!
A Glaring Problem; An Easy Answer
Daylight Savings Time means harsh glare on roads
It’s that time of year again! Switching the clocks for Daylight Saving Time means more than just making sure your alarm goes off at the right time; it also means that you’ll need to grab those sunglasses as you head out the door.
The Vision Council of America (VCA) reminds drivers that part of adjusting to the Daylight Saving Time schedule means being prepared to face harsh glare on the roads. The sun’s glare is one of the most overlooked dangers while driving, particularly during the height of morning and evening commutes.
Driver Karin LeRoy has first-hand experience with driving with intense sun glare. “The sun’s glare is so harsh that I can’t see the road or the cars in front of me,” she said, “My instinct is to slam on the breaks, but I am afraid that I will cause an accident.”
Thousands of people are injured each year, some fatally, as a result of glare. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 168 deaths were reported in 2002 due to the sun’s glare - that number could be even higher due to unreported accidents.
“It may seem like common sense, but most of us are caught off guard by the effect the time change has on our visibility while we’re driving,” noted ophthalmologist Frank J. Weinstock, M.D. “In addition to changing the clocks, there are a few simple things we need to remember this time of year to protect our vision and make sure we’re safe on the road.”
VCA encourages drivers to take a few extra steps to ensure their safety:
- Make it a habit to lower visors to help block some of the reflected light.
- Avoid using high-gloss vinyl cleansers on dashboards.
- Keep the car windshield clean and the windshield washer fluid full.
- If possible, choose an alternate route to avoid one with extreme glare.
- Turn on headlights to counteract the possible poor visibility of oncoming drivers.
- Most importantly, wear sunglasses with 100 percent ultra-violet protection. Consider sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare to ensure safe driving.
VCA recommends using this time of year as a reminder to schedule an eye exam to ensure that your eyes stay healthy and your prescription remains current.
For more information on protecting your vision, check out the Eye Health 101 section located on the left of the screen.