Hyderabad: To ensure that drivers of two-wheelers have enough visibility, the government had instructed that all vehicles have an automatic headlight system that starts along with the ignition.

However, the rule called only for day lights. Vinod Kanumala, founder of the Indian Federation of Road Safety, says, “The rule clearly states that high beam headlights should not be used. However, all two-wheelers switch to the same.” High beam lights affect eyesight, causing temporary blindness.

Says ophthalmologist Deepika Shilpika, “Sudden blinding light can cause a person to put their hands in front of their eyes or shut their eyes instinctively, which could cause accidents. It can take five seconds or more for the eyes to adapt to normal light after a car with high beam headlights passes by.” The light adaption technique of the eye is affected when high beam headlights bleaches the pigment in the retina which takes time to readapt itself.

Dr Mohan Kumar, an ophthalmologist, says, “There are no regulations in India, and a lack of awareness regarding headlights. Anti-glare glasses can be helpful to some extent but it is not a permanent solution. People with mild eye sight problems are affected by the glare. Many drivers use these lights so often that their eyes cannot adjust to dipped headlights any longer.”

Traffic expert Ahsan Pasha, says that since commercial drivers have to renew their licences more often, “They should be re-trained to ensure that they remember the rules of lights.”