The Bright Future Of High-Intensity Discharge Headlights.

While most advancements in technology serve a purpose and usually help the
concerned issue, they often have unforeseen complications. The new ultra-bright high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are a prime example. There are an ever increasing
number of automobiles with HID headlights roaming the streets, and these headlights
have caused quite a stir in the court of public opinion. It seems people are either singing
their praises or cursing their existence, depending on whether or not they are behind the
wheel of a car with them, or being distracted by them from other motorists. Complaints
have flooded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mostly
about the excessive glare from the blue-white colored IDD headlights. More than 1,800
complaints were filed over a five month span, calling the new headlights annoying,
distracting, and even blinding.3 According to the NHSTA, that is a record number of
complaints on any single issue. Though HID headlights can be beneficial, there is
question as to whether or not their enhanced visibility for drivers outweighs their glare
effects on other motorists. Government and private agencies are working hard in
studying and implementing ways to make headlight glare less of a problem for motorists. Additionally, optometrists are in a unique position to evaluate and manage these individuals, as well as educate them on ways to diminish their glare problems.
Optometrists have a responsibility to contribute to patient welfare by making
recommendations that will improve their visual performance and to educate the overall
public about the many factors involved in this problem.