Night vision eyeglasses employ special lenses—sometimes with a yellow or amber or clear coloration—to boost contrast and diminish glare when light is low. Unlike high-end, militarily applicable night vision goggles that multiply light artificially with electronics, night vision eyeglasses available to the general public largely accomplish their task of cutting blue light and boosting the ability of the eye to perceive silhouettes and movement. They are perfect when driving at twilight or at night, but don't offer real "night vision" when it is completely dark.

They are particularly useful for night drivers, twilight drivers, or drivers during fog conditions since they eliminate headlight glare from incoming traffic. They can also come in handy in the early morning or evening by those spending time outdoors (like anglers, hunters, or hikers). They are not a substitute for prescription eyewear or night blindness medical treatment—see an eye specialist if you have trouble seeing at night.

When worn correctly, they can diminish glare from streetlights and headlights, increase contrasts, and alleviate eye strain. They are no panacea, though: frequent headlight replacement on vehicles, clear windshields, and not accelerating are equally essential. Also, do not go for lenses that are too tinted and end up stripping drivers of yet more visibility; choose lightly tinted, anti-glare coatings that are specifically made with nighttime driving in mind.

Yes, some night vision eyeglasses are made of clip-ons or fitovers that can be placed over regular prescription eyeglasses. Others are available separately and come with interchangeable prescription lenses. Should you depend on corrective eyeglasses, find brands that can have customized versions or consult with an optician to find one that is compatible with your eyeglasses needs.

They aren’t effective in pitch-black environments since they don’t amplify light like military-grade gear. Some users might find certain tints (e.g., very yellow lenses) distort colors or take time to adjust to. Cheap, low-quality versions may even worsen visibility. Always choose reputable brands with tested lens technology, and remember that no glasses can replace safe habits like reducing speed and staying alert in low light.