Eye assessments for driving licences
Tests of low-light vision and glare sensitivity may be required for certain assessments or useful when there are doubts about eyesight.
Seeing under difficult light conditions
Contrast, low-light vision and glare sensitivity
Good visual acuity in daylight does not tell us everything about everyday vision. Contrast and low-light tests assess faint differences in dim conditions or with glare.
Understanding the procedure
Not only small, but also low-contrast.
Standard visual acuity tests use black symbols on a bright background. Contrast is much lower when driving, at night or in poorly lit rooms. In these conditions, clouding within the eye or changes to the retina or optic nerve may become apparent sooner.
Depending on the device, Landolt rings, numbers or other symbols are shown at varying light levels with controlled glare. Dark adaptation also assesses how the eye adjusts to darkness after bright light.
- Function
- Detection of weak contrasts
- Conditions
- Low light and glare
- Contact
- Non-contact
- When it is used
- Examination reports and functional symptoms
Used where needed
When is the measurement useful?
The choice of test depends on your symptoms and the legal purpose of the assessment.
Night driving difficulties
Standardised testing can provide a more objective assessment of difficulty seeing in the dark.
Cataract and posterior capsule opacification
Scattered light can affect contrast and glare sensitivity even when daytime visual acuity remains fairly good.
Retina and optic nerve
Certain conditions reduce contrast sensitivity or the ability to adapt to low light.
Step by step
How we test vision in low light
Your eyes need time to adjust to the lighting conditions.
Choosing a vision correction
We use the vision correction required for the test’s purpose.
Adjust brightness
The room or device creates controlled low-light conditions. A short adaptation period is allowed.
Recognize Signs
You identify the direction or shape of low-contrast symbols, first without glare and then with a glare source if needed.
Document the result
Thresholds are interpreted according to the test method and the purpose of the assessment.
Understanding the results
Standardised conditions make symptoms comparable.
Pupil size, tiredness, dry eyes, current correction and previous light exposure may affect results. Testing therefore takes place under controlled conditions.
An abnormal reading does not automatically establish a diagnosis. The cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve and refraction must all be considered as possible causes.
Well prepared
How to prepare for your visit
- Bring your current distance glasses
- Use contact lenses as in everyday life, unless otherwise agreed
- Avoid exposure to bright light before your appointment if possible
- Allow enough time for adaptation and measurements
Frequently asked questions
Clear, concise answers.
Why do I see worse at night than in the day?
In low light, contrast and fine details are harder to see. Larger pupils, refractive errors, scattered light and eye conditions can make the difference more noticeable.
Is glare sensitivity the same as photophobia?
No. Glare sensitivity measures a loss of visual function caused by a light source. Light sensitivity is a symptom with several possible causes.
Can a new pair of glasses help?
Yes, if an uncorrected refractive error is involved. Glasses alone may be insufficient when light scatter or disease is the cause.
Medical note
This page cannot replace an eye examination. Your symptoms, history and findings determine which tests are useful and how their results should be interpreted.
Medical basics
Sources and further information.
Related topics
All non-surgical eye care services