“If I have Glaucoma, can I still drive?” This is the fifth question on our newest blog mini-series, Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
One of the biggest concerns people have when they are diagnosed with glaucoma is how the condition will affect their day-to-day life, especially driving. Glaucoma can cause partial vision loss, starting with peripheral vision, and even total blindness if not treated. The good news is, if caught early, glaucoma should not significantly impact your quality of life. So, if you have glaucoma, can you still drive?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Most likely yes, if your glaucoma is found early and if you do not have significant visual field loss.” Most people with glaucoma can still drive, as long as they pass the Motor Vehicle Administration vision test. Of course, the key is early detection and treatment. Glaucoma treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially if the condition is caught early.
The not-so-secret secret to vision protection is regular eye exams. Glaucoma may progress with no initial symptoms. As a result, an individual can lose as much as 40% of their vision before even noticing. And the vision loss is irreversible.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, ask your doctor to discuss your condition with you to determine if driving will be a concern for you. Even those with advanced glaucoma may still be able to drive, but with restrictions. So make sure to consider the question: “When was your last eye exam?”
Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles specializes in the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. As Medical Director of the Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles as helped preserve and restore thousands of patients’ vision. He is also passionate about educating patients and their families about how various eye problems can affect their health and wellness.
If you have any questions about our blog, “If I have Glaucoma, can I still drive?” or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
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