As a lorry driver, your vision is one of your most vital tools. Whether navigating busy motorways or driving in tough weather, clear eyesight is crucial for safety. Long hours on the road can lead to eye strain and vision issues over time. Here are simple steps to help keep your vision sharp and ensure you’re always seeing clearly.
1. Regular Eye Tests
Even if your vision seems fine, regular eye tests are crucial for catching issues early. The DVLA requires lorry drivers to maintain good eyesight, and it’s recommended to get tested every two years. If you notice blurriness, trouble seeing at night, or frequent headaches, get checked sooner. Eye tests can also detect serious conditions like glaucoma and diabetes.
Top tip: Set a reminder for your next eye test or schedule it with your D4 Medical to stay on top of both.
2. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
The UK may not always be sunny, but when the sun shines, glare can be intense, especially on long drives. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can damage your vision over time. Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection, and consider polarised lenses to reduce road glare.
Top tip: Keep polarised sunglasses in your cab. Glare can affect your vision even on cloudy days, so always be prepared.
3. Combat Eye Strain
Staring at the road for hours can cause eye strain, leading to blurry vision and tired eyes. To prevent this, take regular breaks and focus on something distant to relax your eyes. Blinking more frequently keeps your eyes moist and reduces dryness, common on long drives.
Top tip: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
4. Eat for Your Eyes
Your diet affects your eye health. Foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, and leafy greens, like spinach, provide nutrients that support good vision. Carrots and sweet potatoes, high in beta-carotene, also promote eye health. A vitamin-rich diet can reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Top tip: Pack snacks like nuts, carrots, and berries for vision-friendly nutrition on the go.
5. Keep Your Windshield Clean
A clean windshield is essential for clear vision. Dirt, smudges, and streaks can cause glare and reduce visibility, especially at night or in bad weather. Regularly clean both sides of your windshield and check your wipers. Replace them if they leave streaks.
Top tip: Keep a microfiber cloth in your cab for quick windshield touch-ups during stops.
6. Watch Out for Night Vision Issues
Night driving can be tough on your eyes, especially as you age. Glare from headlights, low light, and reflections on wet roads make it harder to adjust. If night driving becomes difficult, it’s time for an eye check. Anti-glare glasses can reduce headlight glare and make nighttime driving more comfortable.
Top tip: If night driving is a challenge, try scheduling shifts to avoid long drives in the dark.
The Bottom Line: Keep Your Vision Sharp for the Long Haul
Your vision is essential to your job and safety as a lorry driver. Stay on top of regular eye tests, protect your eyes from the sun, and reduce eye strain to keep your eyesight sharp and your drives safe.
Top tip: Don’t ignore vision changes—if something feels off, book an eye test right away. Your eyes—and your career—depend on it!
Safe driving!