Seeing well is an essential skill for anyone who wants to drive, as it helps to keep the driver and all road users safe. For this reason, eyesight testing is one of the most important factors when assessing whether someone is eligible for a driver's license.
However, there are many other skills that also need to be tested, such as hearing, speed of reasoning and freedom of movement, with or without prostheses, for example.
So, as there is no fixed age to stop driving, it is very important to take the Physical and Mental Fitness and Psychological Assessment tests regularly, which need to be done every 5 years up to the age of 65, and every 3 years after that. age. The eye exam should be done every year by an ophthalmologist, not necessarily from Detran, to identify if there are minor problems with myopia or hyperopia that need to be corrected with the use of glasses.
1. Cataract
Cataracts are a very common vision problem after the age of 65, which greatly reduces the ability to see correctly, increasing the risk of traffic accidents, even if there is a cataract in only one eye.
In addition, the opacity of the lens of the eye makes a person less sensitive to color contrast and increases recovery time after glare. After surgery, vision can be restored in most cases, and therefore, the person can return to the exams and be approved to renew the CNH.
Understand how cataract surgery is done.
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes the loss of nerve fibers in the retina, which can cause the visual field to be greatly reduced. When this happens, there is greater difficulty in seeing objects that are 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 proper treatment and follow-up is performed, the visual field may not be severely affected and the person may continue to drive while undergoing appropriate treatment.
Watch the following video and learn how to identify glaucoma and what the treatment consists of:
3. Presbyopia
Depending on the degree, presbyopia, which is also known as tired eyesight, can affect the ability to see what's nearby, making it difficult to read instructions on the car's dashboard or even some road signs.
Since this is a problem that is more frequent after the age of 40 and appears gradually, many people are unaware that they have the problem and, therefore, also do not do the proper treatment with glasses or contact lenses, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is advisable that after 40 years of age, regular eye exams be performed.
4. Macular degeneration
Retinal degeneration is more common after the age of 50 and, when it does, it causes a gradual loss of vision that can manifest itself 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 is unable to see correctly and, therefore, the risk of traffic accidents is very high, it is important to stop driving to ensure safety if both eyes are affected.
5. Diabetic retinopathy
Retinopathy is one of the main complications of people with diabetes who do not undergo the treatment indicated by the doctor. This disease can cause decreased vision and even cause blindness if left untreated. Thus, depending on the degree of retinopathy, the disease can permanently prevent the person from driving.
Learn more about this disease and how to avoid diabetic retinopathy.
