What you should know about your vision and driving
The myth of the bad elderly driver is just that – a myth. And research backs this up, finding that older drivers do have fewer accidents overall than younger drivers. However, research also shows that seniors have high crash rates in certain road situations, such as at intersections or at night time.
Ageing affects your vision, but as it’s often in subtle shifts it can be hard to detect. The ability to see clearly at far distances, from the corner of your eye and at night is crucial for safe driving, and any changes, even small ones, can impact your confidence and safety when driving. Being aware of the health of your eyes and noting any vision changes in daily life is important to maintain clear vision, along with a good driving record.
Here are the warning signs of declining vision you need to be aware of:
- Distorted vision
- Double vision
- Spots in vision
- Pain, discomfort or redness of eye
- Any loss of vision in centre or edges
- Decreased colour vision
- Reduced ability to adjust to light changes
If you notice any changes or think you may have a problem with your vision, consult your optometrist. They can diagnose and treat any eye problems as well as help you reach the vision standards necessary for safe driving.
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