You may not realize it at first — squinting at oncoming headlights, avoiding nighttime errands, feeling anxious behind the wheel as the sun sets. These aren’t just quirks of getting older. They’re red flags. If night driving has become stressful or dangerous, cataracts may be to blame.
At Omaha/Lincoln Laser Institute, Dr. Sao J. “John” Liu has helped thousands of patients regain clarity and confidence, especially when the sun goes down.
“When patients tell us they can drive at night again without fear — that’s when we know we’ve changed more than just their vision. We’ve given them their freedom back.”
— Dr. Sao J. “John” Liu
Why night driving feels scarier — and what you can do about it
Cataracts can affect your night vision before you even realize they’ve formed. As the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, light is scattered instead of focused. That means headlights and streetlamps often create harsh glare or distracting halos, making it difficult to see clearly. Even simple nighttime scenes can become overwhelming.
In low-light settings, your depth perception starts to suffer, making it harder to judge distances — a key factor when navigating traffic or changing lanes. Additionally, the contrast that helps your eyes distinguish between shadows and objects begins to fade. This makes identifying road signs, curbs, and pedestrians much more difficult, even if you feel your overall eyesight is still “fine” during the day.
If you find yourself avoiding nighttime driving or depending on others to help you get around after dark, you’re far from alone — and more importantly, you don’t have to live this way forever.
Clearer nights ahead — how cataract surgery can help
Cataract surgery removes the eye’s cloudy lens and replaces it with a new, artificial one designed to restore clear vision. For many patients, the difference is nothing short of life-changing — and often, the improvement in night vision is immediate.
After surgery, contrast becomes sharper and more defined, helping you recognize shapes, edges, and obstacles with greater ease. Glare from headlights and reflective surfaces is significantly reduced, allowing for safer, more relaxed night driving. Many patients also report an enhanced perception of colors, which helps with visual cues related to depth and distance.
Depending on the type of lens you choose during your consultation, you may even experience reduced dependence on glasses or contacts — giving you more freedom, both day and night.
The key takeaway? Clearer night vision is one of the most commonly reported — and most celebrated — benefits of cataract surgery.
Worried it’s risky? Here’s how we keep you safe
Cataract surgery is among the safest outpatient procedures available today, with millions performed every year. At Omaha/Lincoln Laser Institute, your safety and comfort are our top priorities from start to finish.
We begin with comprehensive pre-screening to assess your overall eye health and ensure you’re a strong candidate for surgery. This process includes checking for any conditions that might affect healing or outcomes, so there are no surprises later.
Next, Dr. Liu works closely with you to choose a replacement lens that fits not only your prescription but also your lifestyle needs — including things like night driving, reading, or minimizing dependency on corrective lenses.
During surgery, we use state-of-the-art equipment and minimally invasive techniques to ensure maximum precision and a faster, more comfortable recovery. Patients are often surprised at how quick and simple the procedure feels — and how quickly they begin to notice results.
“We take every measure to make cataract surgery a safe, smooth, and successful experience — so patients can see clearly and live fully.”
— Dr. Sao J. “John” Liu
Final Thought: Don’t wait for the road to become even harder to see
If driving at dusk or night is becoming a challenge, you don’t have to accept it as the new normal. Cataracts could be the cause — and the good news is, treatment is safe, effective, and often life-changing.
Reach out for a consultation at Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute and see what’s possible when the glare is gone — and your freedom returns. Let us guide you toward clearer, safer nights.
