Driving and vision

The importance of good vision for driving can not be overemphasised

Visual standards for a regular Australian driver’s license You must be able to see AT LEAST the “6/12” line on the eye chart Your horizontal visual field must be more than 120 degrees These tests are binocular

Other visual reasons for not driving Double vision when looking straight ahead Loss of vision in one eye –should not drive for three months after loss Eye infections Poor night vision

Visual standards – commercial vehicle license Visual standards for a commercial vehicle license are more rigorous than those required for a regular license

Reasons for decreased vision Refractive error - short-sightedness, long- sightedness or astigmatism Ocular disease - cataract, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration Injury to the eye

Diagram of an eye

Normal focus

Short sightedness (Myopia) Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok Short sighted focus Short sighted correction

Long sightedness (Hyperopia) Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close Long sighted focus Long sighted correction

Astigmatism The eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball Focusing error that causes blur in one direction

Correcting refractive error A tint may be useful Especially important at night or in wet conditions Some people who pass the test still feel more comfortable with glasses

Cataract Cloudiness in lens of eye Usually gradual loss of vision Common after 60 May require surgery

Normal retina optic nerve macula retinal blood vessels

Age-related macular degeneration Deterioration of central retina Loss of central vision Distorted vision, patches missing Some treatment available

Diabetic retinopathy Changes to retinal blood vessels More likely when –Person has been diabetic for a long time –Blood sugar is not controlled well Some treatment is available Regular review is necessary

Glaucoma Disease of optic nerve Loss of peripheral vision Prevalence increases with age and family history Treatment best in early stages

Colour vision defect Most commonly red/green 8% of males, 0.5 % of females Varies in severity Can affect brightness of traffic lights and brake lights

Colour vision defect Having a colour vision defect is not a restriction to getting a normal license, however it may prevent you from obtaining a license for a commercial motor vehicle

Regular eye examinations Talk to your optometrist about how often your eyes should be tested

Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focussing problems

Optometrists Are university educated and undertake continuing professional education No referral is required Eye tests attract a medicare rebate

To find an optometrist Optometry Australia Yellow Pages