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Posted by: Georgia Center for Sight

Did you know that 90% of driver information is visual? A recent study has shown that 1 in 5 drivers suffers from a vision deficiency, which affects their driving performance. Good eye health is essential for driving. It helps you read the highway signs at a distance to prepare you to get off the interstate at the correct exit or see the speedometer on your car dashboard to keep you from driving too fast. Your driving safety and your eye health go hand in hand!

Common Driving Eye-Related Complaints

According to the World Health Organization, impaired vision that can either be treated or prevented affects at least one billion people worldwide. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of good eye health for driving safety. It’s crucial to be aware of the common symptoms of eyesight problems that can make driving safely tricky.

Blurry Vision

A vision that is blurry or fuzzy is a common issue drivers face. The objects on the road appear out of focus to adhere to critical visual cues and quick driving decisions. Blurry vision is often caused by refractive errors, which cause light to enter the eye incorrectly. Four examples of common refractive disorders are: Presbyopia – is the gradual loss of your eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects, usually occurring after 40. Nearsightedness (myopia) – is a condition where you can see objects near you clearly, but objects farther away are blurry. Myopia is the most common refractive disorder. Farsightedness (hyperopia) – is a vision condition where you can clearly see distant objects, but objects nearby may be blurry. Astigmatism – is a treatable imperfection in the eye’s curvature that causes blurred distance and near vision. Astigmatism affects how lights look at night, making nighttime driving more challenging. Eye Fatigue – You may have experienced sleepy and tired eyes on a long drive. This is a common issue that can significantly affect your driving performance. During those long trips, it’s important to be mindful of your eye fatigue and relax your eyes by taking frequent breaks and staying as well-rested as possible. Dry Eyes can be annoying or painful. When using air conditioning or heat, direct the air vents down instead of directly toward your face to minimize this problem while driving. Positioning the vents down will still keep you cool or warm you up without the eye-drying effects of the direct air. Light Sensitivity may significantly impact daytime and nighttime driving. Sunlight on an overcast day can cause eye discomfort during the day, much like streetlights and headlights at night. Eye fatigue can affect anyone, but symptoms like blurry vision and light sensitivity can be signs of an eye condition that should be diagnosed and treated by your eye doctor. Being proactive in getting the symptoms treated can significantly improve your safety on the road.

We Are Here To Help!

Pay attention to symptoms as your eyesight changes with age, making driving riskier, such as halo effects around lights, increased glare, and dim or cloudy vision. It’s crucial to be proactive and schedule an eye appointment TODAY if you notice these changes in your eyesight. Regular check-ups can help you determine the cause of your difficulties and recommend the following steps, putting you in control of your eye health and safety on the road.

References: American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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