Passat headlamps dim

[Runner Bean]

I found the dipped beam headlamps on my 2004 Passat to be unacceptably dim the last time I drove on an unlit country road.

On inspection the front surfaces of the projector lenses in both the near and offside dipped beam headlamp housings seemed to have a milky appearance, as if from a deposit of some sort, which I suspect is the main cause of the loss of brightness.

Has anyone else seen this? Is it a design feature, or should I try and clean it off - in which case how?

Any advice appreciated, before I go off the road!

Thanks

[PerArdua]

Not sure if it is the same but I ran 'uprated' bulbs in an Audi Coupe and the increased heat from the bulbs tarnished the chrome on the projectors, the solution was to get new headlights or debond the headlights and replace the chrome.

PA