As many motorists can attest, driving becomes second nature which means we often forget the fundamentals, like the ability to see properly. This brings us to eye conditions and how dangerous they can be to you and other road users.
Everything You Need To Know About Driving And Eye Conditions
While most people have heard of short- or long-sightedness, light sensitivity and Astigmatism, what exactly are they and how can these eye conditions affect your driving ability? In this road safety guide, we explain some of the most common eye conditions and the symptoms or signs to look out for – pardon the pun.
Short-sightedness (Myopia)
Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a condition where you can see close objects clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurred. This is because the light entering your eye isn’t focused correctly. It’s one of the most common eye conditions across the world and the most likely to impact your driving ability negatively.
Symptoms of short-sightedness while driving:
- headaches and migraines
- squinting to see properly
- trouble reading road signs from a distance, especially at night
Even the mildest form of short-sightedness can greatly reduce your ability to see objects at a distance. Thankfully, these types of eye conditions are typically diagnosed at a young age which means it’s easy to treat by using the right prescription glasses or contact lenses while driving.
Long-sightedness (hypermetropia)
Long-sightedness, or hypermetropia, also known as far-sightedness (hyperopia) is a condition where you can see distant objects clearly, but objects up close appear blurred. This is because the light entering your eye is focused behind the retina.
Symptoms of long-sightedness while driving include:
- headlights from oncoming traffic may appear blurred
- eye fatigue and discomfort
- distant objects appear fuzzy and out of focus
- may have to squint to see clearly
Although you can see the road ahead, you must wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to treat long-sightedness while driving as you may struggle to see the speedometer, driver controls, sat nav, and warning lights.
Late-onset long-sightedness (presbyopia)
Presbyopia or age-related long-sightedness is a condition that affects middle-aged people, usually over the age of 40 or 50. It causes distant objects to appear blurred but unlike short-sightedness and long-sightedness, presbyopia is not caused by the light entering your eye focusing in the wrong place. Instead, it’s caused by the loss of elasticity in the eye’s lens, making it more difficult for the eye to focus.
Symptoms of presbyopia while driving include:
- difficulty reading road signs and number plates
- struggle to see the glare of oncoming traffic at night
- problems telling red and green traffic lights apart
The symptoms of age-related long-sightedness are similar to normal long-sightedness but since many people who are short-sighted also suffer from it, they may need to wear varifocal lenses to improve road safety.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Sensitivity to light is another common eye condition that can make driving difficult. Sufferers may find it difficult to see in low light conditions or when faced with oncoming headlights. This can make night driving particularly challenging.
Symptoms of photophobia while driving include:
- finding bright light from the sun, glare and passing headlights unbearable (day and night)
- migraines and dizziness
- blackspots in your vision
The good news is there are many simple ways to combat light sensitivity. During the day, wear polarising sunglasses and glasses with an anti-reflective and polarising tint at night. These small solutions can make a significant difference in reducing the impact of light on your eyes.
Driving with Astigmatism
The last of the eye conditions we are covering in detail is Astigmatism. This condition is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eye’s lens or cornea. This can make objects appear blurred or distorted and can also exacerbate other eye conditions such as light sensitivity.
Symptoms of Astigmatism while driving include:
- difficulty with night vision, in particular
- headlights from oncoming and rear traffic appear like ‘lines’ of light around the headlight
- light reflections from cars and street lamps can cause drivers to squint
- reduced concentration on the road
What Does The Law Say About Driving With Certain Eye Conditions?
Visual acuity and field of vision (visual field) are two of the most important factors for safe driving which is why you have an eye test when applying for your learner’s or driver’s licence. To qualify for a driver’s licence in South Africa, you must meet the minimum eyesight standard according to the Snellen rating, which is as follows:
- visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) for each eye
- 120 degrees field of vision (vision field)
Despite what you may believe, many individuals are guilty of driving without prescription glasses or contact lenses, putting themselves and others in danger while increasing the likelihood of hefty fines. If you are caught driving without being able to see clearly, you could face a number of penalties. These include a fine, imprisonment, or having your driver’s licence suspended. If you need prescription glasses or contact lenses to pass this eye test, then it must be stated on your driver’s licence.
How AI Technology Helps Improve Road Safety
There are a number of different AI technologies that are now being used in new cars to help improve road safety. One such technology is lane departure warning, which uses a camera to track the car’s position on the road and alerts the driver if they are about to drift into another lane.
Another AI technology that can help improve road safety is blind spot monitoring. This uses sensors to detect when another vehicle is in the car’s blind spot and alerts the driver with an audible warning or a dashboard warning light. This can help drivers avoid accidents caused by not seeing other vehicles in their blind spots.
AI can also improve the quality of crash data collection and analysis. It can offer new insights on how to avoid collisions and improve response times after road accidents. This can lead to a more effective regulatory framework for road safety. Other examples include electronic stability control, emergency brakes and auto-parking systems among many others.
Conclusion
We know that this might be a little confusing but that’s why regular eye tests are so important. Getting an eye test at least every two years will help you stay on top of your eye health while keeping you safe on the road. On that note, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this guide, be sure to book an eye test with your optician as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, you may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses.
At Group1, we may not be eye health experts but we do care about your safety. As such, we hope this guide on driving with certain eye conditions has provided you with some valuable insights. For more interesting articles on all things motoring, follow our blog.