Driving and Vision

By Thomas P. Finley, OD

Dr. Finley's Family Eyecare

. http://visionsource-drfinley.net/

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Driving and Vision

Driving in our area is increasingly more challenging and dangerous. Most driving decisions are based upon vision. Having good vision and visual skills will make driving safer. Every driver must act responsibly and exercise good judgment.

Driving Visual Skills

Exercising good visual judgment begins with having a comprehensive eye examination. There are many visual skills required for safe driving. These include

Good distance vision during the day and night.

Peripheral vision of everything around your vehicle.

Speed of recognition and visual localization to read and interpret road signs quickly and accurately as you drive.

Depth perception and ability to use both eyes together and correctly judge distances.

Dynamic visual acuity to maintain good vision as objects move.

Eye hand/foot coordination to correctly react, control, and steer your vehicle in changing driving conditions.

Contrast sensitivity and glare recovery from extreme light and dark conditions.

Communicate with your eye doctor about any vision difficulties you experience when driving. Update your eyeglasses and contact lenses to see your best. Non-glare eyeglass lenses will enhance your vision.

New high definition eyeglass lenses also helps vision when driving by reducing nighttime distortions like glare, halos, starbursts, and comets from lights. This can add a significant safety margin.

Everyone’s vision decreases a little at night. This condition is referred to as night myopia. It’s darker outside and harder to see. There is less contrast between objects. Some people experience vision problems so significant that they restrict themselves from driving at night. Studies show older drivers are more adversely affected by night driving conditions.

Many drivers in our area have east-west commutes. The sun is rising in their eyes on the way to work and setting in their eyes on their return trip home. It is critical to have a quality pair of prescription or nonprescription sunglasses to reduce squinting and eye fatigue and make vision more comfortable. Polarized lenses are preferable to block out glare reflected from other vehicles and the road.

Vehicle Check List

Certain sight-enhancing tips can prepare your vehicle and help you see better. Clean your windshield and headlights. Replace your wipers when streaking occurs. Don’t smoke; it can impair your night vision and add soot to your windshield.

When visibility decreases, decrease your speed and increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you. Only use hands free mobile devices and never text while driving. If you wear contact lenses, try to keep the defroster vents from blowing on your eyes and drying your lenses.

Driving in our area is a full time job and requires our full attention. Keep your mind and eyes focused on the task at hand. Make certain you also have the best possible vision correction to help you see and navigate your way through all traffic situations.