Vision Function

Our ability to see clearly when driving can certainly change with age. Limited vision is a very common reason that seniors are referred to a vision specialist, drive with restricted driver license, or have their driver privilege revoked. Some age-related vision changes that commonly affect seniors are:

Not being able to see as clearly as before
Having difficulty seeing an object up close
Needing more light
Noticing changes in color perception
Having more difficulty seeing in the dark
Being less able to adapt to glare
Experiencing a loss of side vision

Effects on Driving Ability

Age-related vision conditions may cause some of the following problems:

Bright sunlight or the headlights of oncoming traffic may impede your vision.
It becomes more difficult to judge distances and speed.
It becomes more difficult to distinguish road signs and to gauge oncoming traffic.
Your eyes get tired easily making it more difficult to concentrate.
Left-hand turns become difficult.
Assessing right-of-way situations may become more difficult.
Blurred vision may cause right-of-way problems.

What you can do for safer driving:

Get regular eye exams.
Limit yourself to daytime driving if you are having trouble seeing at night.
Add a larger rearview mirror to increase your field of view.