Wellie Boots or Sunglasses?

Isn’t the weather fickle? Earlier this month we had gales and heavy rain and …now… brilliant sunshine and freezing temperatures. Combine that with increasingly short days and long nights and, if you are a driver, you have the perfect storm. Dazzled with the low lying sun during the day and struggling to see at night.

Driving in Argyll is a dangerous occupation at the best of times. During the summer it’s trying to avoid tourists stopping on dangerous corners to watch the Highland cattle and deer. At this time of year it’s coming round a bend to find the sun straight in your face and being completely blinded. Even pedestrians have problems with the sun. Walking up from the pier the other day I struggled to see the cars whizzing round the bottom of Argyll Square due to the sun shining into my face.

If you own a car you should have had it checked out to ensure all its systems are working properly. If you are intending to travel you are advised by all the motoring organisations to ensure you have adequate supplies of food, water and warm clothes for the journey. As a driver you should also ensure your eyesight is performing well. If you need glasses for driving you should ensure they are up to date and the lenses are in good condition. You should also have up to date prescription sunglasses. Polarised lenses are best for around here as they reduce reflections and glare from the wet roads.

Most importantly, you should have regular eye examinations. Every day I see patients whose vision is below or just on the legal minimum for driving. Yet, despite my advice they continue to drive. Please, don’t be an accident waiting to happen. Contact your optometrist and book your eye examination.