Are we OK with how bright headlights are getting?

[MossRoad]

Cataracts, retinal disorders certainly make it worse for some older folks, but there are big genetic differences in how fast people's eyes react to being photobleached by a bright light, like oncoming headlights. That can start before folks learn to drive.

All the best, Peter

I was surprised when the eye doctor told me I have cataracts about 5 years ago. He said most people my age do. He said you know how when you want to read something at night, and you have to get closer to the table lamp? Yeah. That's due to your cataracts. Don't worry about it, but just know that your vision will slowly get that filter and some day you might need surgery to correct it.

 

[Hay Dude]

It’s been years since I read a Consumers Report review of a car. It always seemed like they criticized the makers for headlights that weren’t bright enough or were to bright.

Agree. For example, Consumer reports usually trashed BMW. I’ve owned an X-5 for 6 years and can tell you there’s things that Consumer Reports neglects to “report” on. One example is build quality, or the feel of something built with integrity, or just the way it drives.
They are too focused on fuel economy & brochure statistics for me.
Seems like they judge everything based on “value”. Certain vehicles give a satisfaction when you drive them that others do not.

Our friends have a Land Rover Range Rover. A stunningly comfortable, capable vehicle. On a long drive, even the back seats feel like a 1st class cabin in a private jet. I bet Consumer Reports would say a Subaru Forrester is a better car because it’s a better “value” or it gets a few more miles per gallon. Does anyone buying a $150,000 Range Rover really care deeply about 1-2 more miles per gallon?

 

[ponytug]

Ever consider that this website, and very likey the OP, are made up of mostly older men?

Me included, but yes. As @MossRoad pointed out, for those of us who spend or have spent lots of time outside, cataracts are likely in our future if not already arrived.

My apologies. I was trying to point out that we all have different sensitivities to bright lights, especially headlights, from early in life. For some folks, that started long before cataracts.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Hay Dude]

Me included, but yes. As @MossRoad pointed out, for those of us who spend or have spent lots of time outside, cataracts are likely in our future if not already arrived.

My apologies. I was trying to point out that we all have different sensitivities to bright lights, especially headlights, from early in life. For some folks, that started long before cataracts.

All the best,

Peter

No problem. I hear a lot of older men say they feel like headlights are brighter. When you ask them what they look like, they say they look like a bright white “aura” or cloud. This is old age eyes as much as it is brighter headlights. Younger peeps never seem to complain about them.

 

[ponytug]

No problem. I hear a lot of older men say they feel like headlights are brighter. When you ask them what they look like, they say they look like a bright white “aura” or cloud. This is old age eyes as much as it is brighter headlights. Younger peeps never seem to complain about them.

I was one those young peeps complaining. Now I guess I'm an old fogey complaining. Still, I love have bright headlights on rural roads. I have had too many close calls with deer over the years. I love great brakes, too.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

I was one those young peeps complaining. Now I guess I'm an old fogey complaining. Still, I love have bright headlights on rural roads. I have had too many close calls with deer over the years. I love great brakes, too.

All the best,

Peter

Many years ago I was driving my wife out to her folks' house at night down Crumstown Hwy (yes, that's the real name ) and I asked her when they made it a double yellow line, because it was always a single yellow line? She said there's only one line.

Uh-oh.

Went to eye doctor and needed glasses. I never needed them before, never noticed any vision problems, etc... but apparently something had recently changed and one eye was near sighted and the other far sighted. I was maybe 25 years old when that sudden shift happened. Glasses corrected it well, but I noticed starburst around headlights, streetlights, etc.... got an anti-glare coating on the lenses. All better.

Prescription has only changed twice in 40 years. The last time I opted for trifocals, as I can't do progressives. They work great, but over a year or two, the anti-glare wears off and the starbursts come back. I have optical insurance, so I can get new glasses every two years.

It was just funny how at 25 things changed quickly, but over 40 more years, the cataracts come on so slowly.

 

[MossRoad]

Another thing I noticed is with the 2020 Subaru, people will flash their brights at me occasionally when my low beams are on. They are bright white.

 

[Torvy]

There was a time when headlights were meant to light in front of the car. Now, many cars are throwing light in all directions. I see them coming down our country road lighting up the trees lining the road. They throw the light up and to the side....all over. I don't get it...............

That is the primary use of fog lights for me. They cast to the sides. When driving in rural areas with high deer populations, it is very useful to see the deer before they impact your vehicle.

I'm convinced that most of the headlights are not set correctly. Your lights being bright don't bother me if they are focused on the road directly in front of you rather than 100 yards down the road into my eyes.

 

[Torvy]

Many years ago I was driving my wife out to her folks' house at night down Crumstown Hwy (yes, that's the real name ) and I asked her when they made it a double yellow line, because it was always a single yellow line? She said there's only one line.

Crumstown, Indiana - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I have relatives by that name. It doesn't mean what you think it means.

 

[MossRoad]

Crumstown, Indiana - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I have relatives by that name. It doesn't mean what you think it means.

I know exactly what the town was named for; Mr. Crum. It was originally Crum's Point, later changed to Crumstown. But everyone around here snickers when someone says Crumstown.