Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses:
As a Pakistani optician based in Lahore, owning my own optical business has allowed me to explore a wide range of eyewear solutions. With a prescription of -2.50 in both eyes and a passion for bleeding-edge lenses and new technology, I’m always on the hunt for eyewear that doesn’t just correct my vision but also elevates my daily experiences—especially when it comes to driving at night on the traffic heavy streets of Lahore. Enter Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses.
About a month ago, I decided to try the stock Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses in my new David Beckham frame. Having worn them consistently since then, I’d like to share my honest review, highlighting both the pros and cons.
Slight Yellow Tint: Subtle Yet Noteworthy
One of the first things I noticed about the Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses is the slight yellow tint they possess. While it’s not as pronounced as the tint found in blue light blocking lenses, it’s still noticeable as soon as you put your glasses on. This tint is designed to improve contrast and reduce glare, especially in low-light conditions—a common scenario in Lahore due to its bustling traffic and varied lighting.
For me, the tint hasn’t been too much of a distraction. However, I am someone who loves seeing natural colors how they are, and these lenses do wash out the blue in the sky, and most other things you look at. So I would add that this is something potential users should be aware of, especially if like me they prefer completely natural colors.
Exceptional Glare Reduction: Surpassing Expectations
Driving at night in Lahore often means dealing with intense glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights. Especially with how amazing the drivers in Lahore are, with their headlights turned up to 110%! So, to my surprise the Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses have significantly reduced this glare, making night driving much more comfortable. They don’t completely finish it, that would be nothing short of a miracle, but they surpassed my expectations in handling the blinding headlights that are all too common on our roads. I was genuinely impressed by how these lenses minimized glare without compromising the clarity of my vision. Another huge difference was how streetlights and headlights in particular have a reasonably large halo around them. I found when wearing DriveSafe lenses the halo is reduced but the most impressive effect is how everything felt sharpened.
Immediate Comfort: No Adjustment Period Needed
As I do have a spherical number and have had the same prescription for a few years now, I adapted to the lenses immediately. *Your experience may vary.
I would add for consumers looking to get a varifocal lens or are considering the move to Drivesafe after a change in prescription, the adaptation can take some time.
Frame Considerations: A Lesson Learned
I chose to fit the Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses into my David Beckham frame, which is quite bulky and oversized. In hindsight, I wish I had opted for a lighter frame. The heaviness of the frame somewhat detracts from the overall comfort, especially during extended periods of wear. For those considering these lenses, I recommend pairing them with a lighter frame to maximize comfort.
Pros and Cons of my experience
Pros:
- Significant Glare Reduction: Helps in dealing with harsh headlights and streetlights at night.
- Enhanced Contrast: The slight yellow tint improves visual contrast in low-light conditions.
- Immediate Comfort: No adjustment period was needed; they felt natural from the start.
- High-Quality Optics: Zeiss’s reputation for precision lenses is well-reflected here.
Cons:
- Slight Yellow Tint: While subtle, some users might prefer lenses without any tint.
- Frame Compatibility (not a Drivesafe issue): Bulky or heavy frames may reduce overall comfort; I think unless you really like a style, your everyday pair should be light weight.
- Premium Cost: These lenses are on the pricier side. However, I do think they are worth it, especially if you have a fixed prescription and take care of your lenses.
Conclusion
After a month of using the stock Zeiss DriveSafe Lenses, I can confidently say they’ve been a valuable addition to my daily life. The reduction in glare and improved visual comfort have made night driving in Lahore not only safer but also more enjoyable.
For fellow Pakistanis, especially those whose life involves navigating the busy streets of Lahore at night, I highly recommend considering Zeiss DriveSafe lenses. While they come at a premium price, the benefits they offer in terms of safety and comfort are, in my opinion, well worth the investment. If you are interested in learning more about Zeiss DriveSafe, the official Zeiss page is linked here
If you want to learn about about Zeiss Lenses, and their other coatings check out our Zeiss page.
If you have any questions or need personalized advice on choosing the right lenses, feel free to visit our optical store in Lahore. I’m always happy to help fellow residents find the perfect eyewear solution.