5 Common Vision problems that Can Affect Your Driving Skills

You may be an experienced driver with an excellent track record, but for safe driving – you must ensure that your vision is impeccable. To drive safely, you need good visual acuity, a broad visual field, good color vision and contrast sensitivity, among other fundamental properties of flawless sight. If you have vision problems, they may inhibit your driving skill and cause problems driving at night or in low light. When it comes to vision problems, it is best to stay on top with regular eye checkups to detect any problem before it grows. 

What Kind of Visual Function is Necessary for Driving?

Good vision helps you identify road hazards, read signs and see your dashboard while you drive. Here are some essential visual functions we all use when we drive – 

• Visual Acuity – It measures how clearly you can see and is measured by reading letters on an eye chart.
• Visual Field – The area of your vision is called your visual field. It is tested by checking your automated perimetry by asking you to identify flashing lights in a unique device.
• Color Vision – Identifying different colors is also essential for driving safely. It helps you differentiate light signals, brake lights, and road signs.
• Contrast Sensitivity – If your vision has good contrast sensitivity, you can see pedestrians and lights and read road signs even in bad weather, low light conditions, and at night.

Common Changes in Vision that can Affect Driving

Here is a look at the common vision ailments that can affect your driving and restrict you from driving safely – 

1. Nearsightedness, Farsightedness or Astigmatism – Sometimes, you need a new pair of glasses with an accurate prescription to help you drive well. You can also choose no-glare lens technology to combat astigmatism lights. If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, get regular eye checkups to ensure that you don’t have to drive with poor vision.
2. Cataracts – Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens that cause vision problems. Cataracts may cause glare from oncoming headlights, or visual distortions such as halos or starbursts. Cataracts may cause colors to fade or vision to become dim or blurry. Cataracts are common among senior citizens. Minor surgery can help remove the cataract from your eyes to help you see better.
3. Glaucoma – Glaucoma is an eye disease affecting those with diabetes or blood sugar problems. It increases the pressure in the eye and may damage the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss, making driving difficult. Talk to your doctor to know the best course of treatment for glaucoma.
4. Macular Degeneration – Macular degeneration refers to the deterioration of the eye’s macula. It decreases night vision to makes driving difficult. You may experience blurry or blind spots in your vision and find it difficult to see clearly at a short distance. Macular degeneration also makes straight lines appear blurry or wavy to your eyes. Talk to your ophthalmologist for the best treatment for macular degeneration.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy – Diabetic retinopathy is a condition wherein high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina to hamper central and peripheral vision. The loss of vision is gradual and may be unnoticeable in the beginning. If you have high blood sugar, you should go for regular eye checkups to ensure good vision.

Driving is an activity that requires all your senses to be active and alert. Driving with poor vision or alertness can lead to dire consequences. Apart from keeping a check on your vision, you should also ensure that – 

• Your car windshield and windows are clean
• Your car headlights and taillights are clean
• Your rear-view mirrors are correctly adjusted
• Promptly replace any broken bulbs or mirrors to view the road adequately.

If you or anyone close to you has symptoms of vision problems while driving, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist immediately. Here are some symptoms you can keep an eye out for – 

• Decreasing vision or blurry vision
• Nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Glare in vision, halos on headlights of oncoming cars or on streetlights
• Difficulty in reading road signs or spotting pedestrians

The above-listed symptoms are red flags in vision quality and make driving unsafe. Talk to your doctor about the best course of corrective action to improve your vision today.

Author Bio:

Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK. Aaron loves collecting coasters from the different bars and restaurants he visits during his travels.