Driving with Low Vision
The concept of driving glasses may be new to you - but they may be an option for some people with macular degeneration.For most people in the United States, the loss of a driver's license and the ability to go somewhere at any time, is one of the most difficult adjustments.
Low Vision DrivingMy father-in-law who was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration now has a restricted license and can only drive no more than 10 miles from home during daylight hours. He has had to make adjustments to this new reality.How does Macular Degeneration Affect my Driving?The affects of age related macular degeneration (AMD) on driving is different for each person and for the driving conditions.
For instance on a very sunny day, glare can impair your ability to see. People with AMD often have problems with glare. This is especially true if someone with AMD also has a cataract. Regular sunglasses sometimes help with glare but they also decrease contrast which can be a problem. Selecting the best sunglasses for you is very important. To read more about what to look for in sunglasses click here:
Sunglasses
...such as seeing a white car on a snowy or cloudy day ... or seeing a black car at night. When you recognize that this is a problem for you, you can limit your driving yourself to sunny, bright days and daytime driving.
Driving at Night with Low VisionDriving at night with low vision is very challenging compared to driving during the day.This is due to lack of contrast sensitivity - which means that if there is a dark object with a light background such as bold, black letters on a white page the words stand out on the stark contrast - but if the contrast is not there such as light letters on a darker background - it is now much more difficult to distinguish the letters or words because of the lack of contrast.
Low Vision Driving GlassesBioptic or binocular vision may be an option for driving with low vision. Binocular vision is a telescope that is mounted on a person's glasses that helps the driver read signs. One model flips down over the top of your lenses and the object viewed through it automatically comes into focus.Using these low vision driving glasses, also called bioptics, requires training at a low-vision clinic. It can take months of practice to use them safely and effectively. To read more about bioptic vision click here:
Bioptic Vision
Book on Driving with Low VisionIf you want to pursue how you can continue to drive safely, there is a book called Driving With Confidence: A Practical Guide to Driving With Low Vision The book is a practical guide that offers information and guidance for those driving with low vision on how to retain their driver's license. One reviewer stated this about the book: "The guide urges readers to educate themselves about their state's DMV vision policy, investigate the various aids and devices available for vision-impaired drivers, and then come to their own conclusion as to whether they should be behind the wheel." If this book sounds interesting to you, check it out by clicking on the link.
Free Telephone Session on Driving with Low VisionThe International Macular Degeneration Support Group TeleSupport is a year-round program of monthly group support sessions held over the telephone. It is designed for those with macular degeneration anywhere in the world who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group.The January Session is on "Reclaiming Independence--Staying in the Driver's Seat When You No Longer Drive." Presenter: L. Penny Rosenblum, Ph.D. (University of Arizona) To find out more in North America, dial 1-816-761-7080. If you live outside of North America, dial your "exit country code" (found in your phone book) + 1* + 816-761-7080. This is a brief long distance call to our office in Grandview, Missouri (USA). It will be your only expense for this program. Once you are a member, all TeleSupport group phone sessions will be toll-free from anywhere in the world.
When to Stop Driving?
When to stop driving if you have vision problems, is a question you must ask yourself before you or someone else is injured. Each state in the U.S. has different vision requirements for driving. Most states require that vision be corrected to 20/40 in the better eye for obtaining an unrestricted driver's license. The University of Iowa has developed a questionnaire to help you evaluate your driving skills and to determine when to stop driving. Click here to evaluate your driving: When to Stop Driving Education for Driving with Low VisionYour eye care expert may refer you to a specialist who can go on a drive with you to see if macular degeneration has affected your driving.The specialist also may offer training for driving with low vision. Improving your skills could help keep you and others around you safe. To find a specialist near you, call the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at 1-800-290-2344 or go to their website at www.aded.net. You also can call hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to find an occupational therapist who can help with your low vision driver's education. Alternatives to Driving
Unfortunately, public transportation in the United States is sorely lacking which makes it much more difficult to not drive.In order to continue doing the activities you enjoy it will take some planning and initiative, but it will get you to the places you want to go and the people you want to see. Click here to find out if your local community provides shuttles and transportation.
Alternatives to Driving
Consider a Golf Cart CommunityThere are many golf cart communities in the United States - especially where there is a heavy seniors population such as Florida and Arizona.
However, I live in a golf cart community in Peachtree City, Georgia. In our community of over 80 miles of golf cart paths, a person can get to any place in the city by golf cart on beautifully shaded tree lined paths that take you through tunnels under busy streets or on bridges over the freeways.Today, I am going to pick up my grandchildren on the golf cart - they love to ride in it as much as I do. In our community you can drive a golf cart without a driver's license. If you want to know more about living and driving in the golf cart community of Peachtree City click here:
Electric Golf Carts and Golf Cart Community
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
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