As evenings begin to draw in earlier, many of our patients at John Rose Eye Care in Kingston upon Thames notice a change in their vision – especially when driving at night. Headlights may feel dazzling, road signs appear less sharp or halos seem to surround streetlights. These subtle changes are common, but they are also an important reminder of how vital it is to look after your eye health.

At John Rose Eye Care – Powered by ZEISS, we combine decades of clinical expertise with world-leading diagnostic technology to help you see clearly in every season.

Why September Highlights Night Driving Problems

When summer fades into autumn, your eyes are suddenly challenged by lower light levels and the glare of oncoming headlights. If night driving feels harder, it may be due to:

• Prescription changes – even small adjustments can make a big difference to clarity.
• Cataracts or lens changes – scattering light and creating glare or halos.
• Dry eye or ocular surface problems – causing fluctuating or blurred vision.
• Retinal health conditions – such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affect contrast sensitivity.

Our eyes naturally adapt less efficiently as we get older, so even if you haven’t noticed major issues in daylight, night driving often highlights changes sooner.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Valeda Light Treatment

One of the most common causes of difficulties with night vision and reduced central vision is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition affects the macula – the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision – and can make reading, recognising faces, and driving increasingly difficult.

At John Rose Eye Care, we were the first clinic in the UK to offer Valeda Light Delivery System (LDS) therapy in May 2019, a pioneering treatment using photobiomodulation to support retinal health in patients with dry AMD.

• How it works: Valeda uses carefully selected wavelengths of light to stimulate the mitochondria (the energy producers) in retinal cells.
• Benefits: This can improve visual function, slow the progression of AMD, and maintain quality of life for longer.
• Why it matters: For many patients, Valeda represents hope in an area where treatment options have historically been limited.

Dry Eye in Autumn and Winter: symptoms often misunderstood – we have all the options

Another common issue we see more frequently as the weather changes is dry eye disease. Autumn and winter can make symptoms worse, with a combination of cold winds outside and central heating indoors creating the perfect storm for irritation.

Unfortunately, dry eye is often misunderstood or potentially misdiagnosed – some patients are even told they just need “artificial tears,” which may not address the underlying problem.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Watering eyes (a paradoxical symptom of dryness)
• Grittiness or feeling like something is in the eye
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Increased discomfort in air-conditioned or heated rooms

Advanced IPL Treatment: OptiLight & Espansione

At John Rose Eye Care, we offer the latest Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapies for dry eye, using both Lumenis OptiLight and Espansione Eye-Light systems.

• How IPL works: Gentle pulses of light are applied around the eyelids, targeting the meibomian glands that produce the oily layer of your tear film.
• Benefits: This reduces inflammation, clears blockages, restores natural tear production, and improves overall comfort.
• Why it’s different: Unlike drops, IPL treats the root cause of dry eye rather than just the symptoms.

Many of our patients report significant relief after a course of IPL treatment, with clearer vision, reduced irritation, and greater comfort throughout the colder months.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Eye Examination

At John Rose Eye Care, we don’t just check your glasses prescription. Our Platinum Comprehensive Eye Examination uses advanced ZEISS technology to assess every part of your vision and eye health:

• Spectralis OCT scanning – ultra-high-resolution retinal imaging.
• Microperimetry testing – mapping how well your retina functions.
• ZEISS-powered lens technology – for precision prescriptions.
• Specialist AMD and dry eye assessments – ensuring nothing is missed.

By combining detailed imaging with expert clinical care, we provide the reassurance and clarity you need for safe, confident night driving and healthy vision throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is night driving harder in autumn and winter?

Shorter days mean more time driving in the dark. Low light, headlight glare, and weather conditions highlight even small vision changes that you may not notice in daylight.

What is AMD and how does Valeda treatment help?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that damages the macula, affecting central vision. Valeda is a light-based therapy (photobiomodulation) that stimulates retinal cells, improving their function and slowing disease progression.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Common symptoms include stinging, burning, watering, redness, fluctuating vision, and a gritty sensation. Symptoms often worsen in winter due to cold winds and central heating.

How does IPL treatment work for dry eye?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) targets the eyelid glands responsible for producing healthy tears. It reduces inflammation, unclogs blocked glands, and restores a stable tear film – treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.

How often should I have an eye examination?

We recommend a comprehensive eye examination every 1–2 years, or sooner if you notice new symptoms such as blurred night vision, glare, or eye discomfort.

Why choose John Rose Eye Care in Kingston?

We combine decades of clinical expertise with world-leading ZEISS technology, offering advanced services including AMD care, Valeda treatment, and IPL dry eye therapy – all under one roof.

See Clearly This Season

September is the perfect time to check in on your vision and make sure your eyes are ready for the darker months ahead. Whether it’s difficulties with night driving, concerns about AMD, or uncomfortable dry eyes, we are here to help.

Book your Platinum Comprehensive Eye Examination at John Rose Eye Care today and let us help you see clearly – on the road and in everyday life.

John Rose Eye Care – Powered by ZEISS. Seeing you through every season.

Meet Our Specialists

At John Rose Eye Care, specialist care is always close at hand. Tanya Alvares, our dry eye and AMD specialist, is available in clinic every Monday. Tanya brings a wealth of experience in managing complex dry eye cases using advanced IPL treatments (OptiLight and Espansione) as well as guiding patients through AMD monitoring and Valeda light therapy. Her dedicated approach means patients receive ongoing support and personalised treatment plans that make a real difference in day-to-day comfort and long-term vision.

For comprehensive eye examinations and advanced optometry, patients are seen by Dr Zimar Sivardeen, an experienced clinician with a strong background in medical optometry and vision care. Dr Sivardeen combines precision diagnostics with a holistic approach, ensuring that every aspect of your eye health is carefully assessed. Whether it’s updating your prescription, investigating night driving difficulties, or carrying out a full Platinum Comprehensive Eye Examination, Dr Sivardeen provides reassurance and clarity at every stage.