Published: 20 December 2021 | Updated: 30 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 30 September 2026: The original article/interview below is preserved, including its attributed quotations and editorial structure. Current evidence and guidance below should be relied on where older wording differs.
During this holiday season, it is essential to wear the correct eye protection. The most dangerous conditions are caused by glare resulting from intense sunlight that is reflected from the road surface, the bonnet, windscreen, or dashboard of the car.
Gary Rodney, Master of Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) based at the Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman clinic, offers insight on prescription sunglasses during the holidays, whether it is road tripping, night driving or spending the day at the beach.
Keep your prescription sunglasses safe
Keep glasses safe in case to prevent them from getting damaged while travelling. “Placing the glasses in a case also protects them from direct sunlight,” says Rodney. Do not leave glasses out in the sun. Heat can damage the lens coating and the frames.
In case of loss of prescription glasses or a contact lens, it is always a good idea to travel with an extra pair of sunglasses. “Make sure that the glasses have the current prescriptions and are in good condition,” says Rodney.
Contact lens wearers should also store contact lenses in a cool place. Contact lenses can be damaged if the temperature of the cleaning solution rises above 30 degrees Celsius.
HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!
Keep a repair and cleaning kit
Minor damage to the glasses, such as tightening or loosening the screws can be easily done with a repair kit.
Remember to clean the eyeglass lens regularly as it may have caught dust or sweat. “Do not clean lenses with a used towel or t-shirt as sand particles from the beach,” says Rodney. Tiny-sand particles scratch the lens, making them unusable.
Ensure that glasses are cleaned with luke warm water.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses are a convenient replacement for glasses when spending time on the beach.
Disposable contact lenses do not require special care, and are well-suited for many different situations.
Have hand sanitiser on hand. It is important that hands remain clean and hygienic when handling or touching the eyes. “There are many bacteria that the hands contract and when contact is made with the eye, it can cause a bacterial infection,” says Rodney. For adventurous travellers when soap and water is not accessible, bottled hand sanitiser is recommended.
Driving glasses is a must
“Driving glasses protect from harmful UV light, making it ideal during daily activities at the beach, and road tripping during the day and at night,” says Rodney. Driving glasses are particularly designed to improve motorists vision by cutting out glare.
A common distraction for drivers during dusk and dawn is the sun glare, which may distort vision momentarily. An anti-glare coating on the lenses eliminates glare from vision, and may prevent accidents.
There are lens coatings that are optimised for low light conditions, making it easier to drive at night.
Polarisation of lenses is a must, as it minimises irritable reflections. At night, the anti-reflective coating reduces the reflection from bright lights, headlights, and street lamps.
Visit a Smart Vision Optometrist before travelling
Healthy vision is a must to ensure the safety of motorists this holiday season. “Make sure that prescription lenses are up-to-date and correct,” says Rodney.
Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney, Australia. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.
Current evidence and clinical context
The College of Optometrists’ night-driving guidance recommends appropriate prescribed correction and cautions against tinted filters that darken the road. Anti-reflection coatings may reduce distracting reflections but do not guarantee safe driving.
CDC contact-lens guidance recommends washing hands with soap and water and drying them before handling lenses. Disposable lenses still require safe handling and their prescribed replacement schedule. The interview’s hand-sanitiser shortcut is not a replacement for this guidance.
Related Smart Vision reading
Beach and contact-lens safety · Frame selection and fit
Frequently asked questions
Should I wear sunglasses to drive at night?
No. Use correction suitable for night driving and avoid lenses that darken the view.
Do disposable contact lenses need careful handling?
Yes. Follow hygiene, wear and replacement instructions for the prescribed lens.
Can a lens coating guarantee fewer accidents?
No. Visual correction is one part of safe driving, not a guarantee.
