Night Driving Problems

[hello-gina]

I'm nearsighted (-6.5/-6) and have always had an astigmatism, but have only recently begun to experience major problems with night driving.  I just got home from a 45-minute drive down a two-lane country road in the rain, and it was the most stressful thing ever.  When oncoming cars approach, the road in front of me just disappears into black and my vision is completely awash with light.  My boyfriend was really surprised that I was having such a hard time, because he could see just fine.  I asked him to put his hand on the wheel to help guide me when big trucks passed by, and even though I did a fine job staying in my lane, I felt so distressed not being able to see.  I feel like I'm not fit to be driving at night lately.  Is there a night vision test I should take to find out?  I don't want to be an irresponsible driver.  But at the same time, I'm only 24... and not being able to drive at night anymore would present a lot of problems.  Are there any special glasses made to help people like me?  I just got a full eye exam a few months ago...

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

MedHelp.org does not provide personal contact with posters by phone, e mail, fax, text. A tumor is among the most unlikely causes.

JCH MD

[scarednanxious]

Also have purple fog, notice on dark streets while driving off to right side, I have only noticed for a few weeks but also have had head aches for years, cluster type and migraines... its happened while driving lately only at night. Hmmm any help. Campbell3klan At aol *******
I'm just worried about severe things like tumor??? Plz help email me directly nothing too scarey as I have anxiety triggered hyprachrondria ?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to see an Eye MD ophthalmologist-physician. First you need to be sure that you do not have eye health problems that cause trouble with night vision: cataracts, macular disease, corneal disease. If you wear contacts your contacts may not be fit correctly or causing swelling of the cornea (edema).  Second if you wear glasses they may not be strong enough or your prescription may have changed, if you wear contacts they may be damaging your cornea.

You need a re-exam as this is totally not normal.

JCH III MD