Driving well is an essential capability for those who want to drive, as it helps to maintain the safety of the driver and of all road users. For this reason, vision testing is one of the most important factors in assessing whether someone is fit to take the driver's license.
However, there are many other capabilities that also need to be tested, such as hearing, thinking speed and freedom of movement, with or without prosthesis, for example.
Thus, since there is no fixed age to stop driving, it is very important to regularly take Physical and Mental Aptitude tests and Psychological Assessment, which need to be done every 5 years until the age of 65, and every 3 years thereafter. age. The eye exam should be done each year by an ophthalmologist, not necessarily Detran, to identify if there are small problems of myopia or farsightedness that need to be corrected with the use of glasses.
1. Cataract
Cataract is a very common vision problem after age 65 that greatly decreases the ability to see correctly, increasing the risk of traffic accidents, even if there is cataract in only one eye.
In addition, the opacity of the lens of the eye makes the person less sensitive to the contrast of colors and increases the time of recovery after glare. After surgery, the vision can be recovered in most cases and, therefore, the person can retake the exams and be approved to renew the CNH.
Understand how cataract surgery is done.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes the loss of retinal nerve fibers, which can cause the visual field to be greatly diminished. When this happens, there is more difficulty in seeing objects around the car, such as cyclists, pedestrians or other cars, making driving difficult and increasing the risk of accidents.
However, if the disease is diagnosed early and if proper treatment and follow-up is performed, the field of vision may not be severely affected and the person may continue driving while taking appropriate treatment.
See how glaucoma treatment is done.
3. Presbyopia
Depending on the degree, presbyopia, which is also known as a tired sight, can affect the ability to see what is nearby, making it difficult to read instructions on the dashboard or even for a few traffic signs.
Since this is a problem that is more frequent after the age of 40 and arises gradually, many people do not know they have the problem and therefore also do not make proper treatment with glasses or contact lenses, increased risk of accidents . Thus, it is advised that after the age of 40 years have regular vision tests.
4. Macular Degeneration
Retinal degeneration is more common after age 50 and when it does, it causes a gradual loss of vision that may manifest as the appearance of a spot in the central region of the field of vision and distortion of the observed image.
When this happens, the person can not see correctly and therefore the risk of traffic accidents is very high, and it is important to stop driving to ensure safety if both eyes are affected.
5. Diabetic retinopathy
Retinopathy is one of the major complications of people with diabetes who do not get the treatment indicated by the doctor. This disease can cause decreased vision and even cause blindness if left untreated. In this way, depending on the degree of retinopathy, the disease can definitely prevent the person from driving.
Learn more about this disease and how to prevent diabetic retinopathy.
