How Your Aging Eyesight Affects Your Driving

Submitted by Elman Retina Group on September 27, 2019

Soon after turning 40 years old, many people come to the realization that driving is not the same as it was when they were a teenager or in their 20s. The reality is that the eyes undergo a myriad of changes as you age, many of which can affect your ability to see well when driving.

While many age-related vision changes are inevitable, other symptoms can be signs of serious eye conditions that should be treated to avoid serious consequences. Drs. Michael J. Elman and Sidney A. Schechet, trusted retina specialists serving patients in Baltimore and the surrounding area, explain what you need to know in this blog post.

Age-Related Vision Changes That Affect Driving

Reduced pupil size: The muscles that control pupil size and reaction to light lose strength as you age, causing the pupil to become less responsive to changes in lighting. Senior drivers are likelier to be stunned by bright sunlight and glare when emerging from dimly lit areas. Photochromic lenses and anti-reflective coating can lessen this problem.

Presbyopia: This condition is the age-related loss of near vision. Beginning around age 40, you may have more difficulty focusing on near objects. Presbyopia can be treated with prescription eyewear or surgical treatments like corneal inlays, monovision LASIK and refractive lens exchange.

Low vision: Drivers age 60 and above have a harder time seeing clearly in low-light settings, including when driving at sunset or later.

Loss of peripheral vision: It is believed that the size of our visual field decreases approximately one to three degrees per decade of life. This means that you may have lost 20 to 30 degrees of your peripheral vision by the time you reach your 70s and 80s. Loss of peripheral vision makes it more difficult for you to notice blind spots, increasing the risk of driving accidents.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment (“PVD”): As you age, the gel-like vitreous inside the eye begins to pull away from the retina, causing spots and floaters, and possibly light flashes. This condition, called Posterior Vitreous Detachment, is usually harmless but may also be a sign of retinal detachment, a serious condition that may lead to blindness if not treated right away.

Eye Conditions That Can Make Driving Dangerous

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. It affects central vision and can affect your ability to see certain elements in your view when driving. Symptoms include shadowed spots in central vision, blurred distance and/or reading vision, fuzzy, distorted vision, and reduced contrast sensitivity. If left untreated, AMD can lead to irreversible damage.

Macular holes and puckers: Macular holes are small breaks in the macula, while macular puckers are the formation of scar tissue in the retina. Both can cause a loss of central vision, blurred vision or distorted vision. This condition impairs your ability to see clearly while driving.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself and Others on the Road

Getting older doesn’t have to mean the end of driving independently. It is very possible to drive safely well into your golden years. However, precautions should be taken. For instance, if you have noticed loss of peripheral vision, you should turn your head to the sides when changing lanes. If you have low vision, you should avoid driving at night.

If you have AMD, macular holes or puckers, you should work with your retina specialist to manage symptoms. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with one of our retina specialists right away. Drs. Elman and Schechet offer diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for an array of retinal diseases and conditions at their Baltimore practice. They are ready to help you with your visual needs so you can enjoy life comfortably and drive safely.

To schedule an appointment, please contact one of our Baltimore area offices today.