Eyesight and Driving: 4 Things You Need to Know as You Age

Driving when you’re in your 40s and beyond isn’t like getting behind the wheel as a teenager. Aging significantly affects crucial safe-driving requirements, such as strong vision.

Vision decline may happen gradually and can produce dangerous consequences on the road. In 2017, the number of car crashes on roads increased for the fifth year in a row, to more than 127,000. According to the Department of Transportation, more than 900 of those were fatal crashes, resulting in 1,000 fatalities.

The population is also aging rapidly. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the percentage of people 65 and older is expected to double between now and 2050. By 2030, one in five American residents will be at retirement age.

It’s important to be aware of vision changes that occur with age so you can take steps to navigate the road safely. Here are some aging-related driving issues to be aware of, tips for driving safely as you age, and signs that indicate your vision may be too poor for safe driving.

Vision Changes That Affect Driving

Many vision changes are normal and unavoidable as we age. Be aware of these so you can take steps to improve your driving vision.

• Decreased pupil size: Aging reduces pupil size, making the eyes less responsive to changes in light. Older adults need more ambient light to see clearly. Reduced pupil size can also cause a glare effect in bright sunlight. Glare sensitivity can cause temporary loss of clear vision and impact reaction time when driving.
• Vitreous detachment: The eye’s vitreous body is a clear gel between the retina and the lens. Aging causes vitreous detachment, which can lead to flashes of light, floaters, or spots. While the effects are mostly harmless on foot, they can impact your line of vision behind the wheel.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia affects adults in their 40s and older. This is a term for difficulty seeing things up close. Safe driving requires the ability to read signs and see what’s in front of you to avoid hitting things, park correctly, and complete other essential driving functions.
• Low-light vision difficulties: As people enter their 60s, the ability to see clearly in low lighting decreases. This can make driving at sunset and later more difficult.
• Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, myopia can progress with age, a condition known as myopic creep. Myopia can make it difficult to read highway signs or see vehicles and hazards in the distance.
• Loss of peripheral vision: Every decade of life, peripheral vision decreases up to three degrees. This means that by your 70s, you may have lost peripheral vision by about 20 degrees. Decreased peripheral vision can impact your ability to see the vehicles around you and change lanes safely, especially when there are obstacles in blind spots.
• Dry eyes: We produce fewer tears as we age, which can lead to dry eyes. Dry eyes can result in burning or stinging sensations. If these come on while you’re driving, it can be distracting and dangerous.

It’s important to get regular eye exams at least once a year, so your doctor can identify changes in your vision. Your eye doctor will be able to provide solutions that help improve your vision, so you can stay safe while driving.

Senior Driving Safety Tips

Regular eye examinations and adherence to doctor orders are essential to staying safe while driving. If you’re prescribed glasses or contacts, make sure to wear them anytime you drive for your safety and the safety of those around you. In some instances, it’s also required by law.

Additionally, here are some tips for driving safely amid aging vision.

• Nighttime driving: Road fatalities occur three times as often at night compared to during the day, according to Popular Mechanics. You can avoid nighttime driving, or ask your eye doctor if there are eyeglass options to help you see the road better at night. You can also dim your dashboard lights to improve nighttime visibility.
• Glasses: If you’ve experienced glare while driving, let your eye doctor know. You could get glasses with an anti-reflective coating or lenses that have wavefront diagnostic technology to reduce glare.
• Navigation: Try to plan out trips ahead of time, and drive on familiar roads, especially at night.

You should also keep your car clean, especially your side mirrors. Dirty mirrors make it difficult to drive safely, even for people with perfect vision.

Red Flags for Medically Impaired Driving

Sometimes, certain eye conditions can make driving dangerous. If you have any of these vision problems, you could be a danger on the road to yourself, other motorists, and pedestrians.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD can cause vision loss and result in blurred vision or the inability to see certain elements in your view. If you have AMD, you could miss a critical piece of visual information while driving.
• Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy lens that can blur vision. Not being able to see clearly means you might misread a road sign or misjudge distance on the road. You may be able to treat cataracts with cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is linked to a buildup of pressure inside the eye and can begin to develop with no obvious symptoms. It can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, making it impossible to drive safely.
• Macular puckers and holes: Macular puckers and holes may cause a loss of central vision, blurred vision, or distorted vision. This condition impairs your ability to see clearly while driving.

Depending on the condition, you may be experiencing the early stages. With treatment, you may still be able to drive safely. Consult with your eye doctor about driving recommendations.

If you don’t feel confident and in control when you drive, using public transportation, riding with a friend, or using a ride-share company is safer.

Getting behind the wheel presents risks to any driver. Having vision issues makes driving even more dangerous for everyone on the road.

When Was the Last Time You Had Your Vision Checked?

Safe driving requires regular visits to your eye doctor. You may be developing an eye issue with no obvious symptoms. Catching eye issues early in the eye doctor’s office can help you treat them and remain a safe driver.

Remember to:

• Always get and use the proper eye treatment recommended to you when driving.
• Visit your eye doctor before you need to renew your license or take a vision test for your license.
• Avoid nighttime driving. Use vision tools that can help you be a safer driver at all times.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable driving because of your vision, consult with your doctor before driving again.

If it’s time for an eye check-up to stay safe on the road, visit the location nearest you.