Blinded by Brighter Headlights? It’s Not Your Imagination.
The rising use of light-emitting diodes and the popularity of pickups and S.U.V.s have prompted complaints about the glare and intensity of headlights.
The light-emitting diodes in the headlights of oncoming traffic became so intense for Shawn DeVries that he started habitually closing his left eye and keeping his right one open as he drove.
That was in 2019. Since then, he said, his right eye “hurts so bad, sometimes I just want to pop it out.” He said he developed intermittent pain and a light sensitivity that has affected his social life and his driving habits.
Mr. DeVries, 48, of Doon, Iowa, said he does not have diabetes or high blood pressure, which could affect his vision, nor does he engage in risky behavior that could harm his eyes.
Advances in lighting technology have improved nighttime driving for many, but the introduction of brighter lights that also sit higher on S.U.V.s and pickups has given rise to widespread criticism that headlights have become overpoweringly intense.
