Due to Nashville and surrounding area’s growth, many people endure driving through construction zones, road hazards (pot holes), detour signs and more on a daily basis. These may all be easily detected…unless you are experiencing vision changes. Dr. Stewart Shofner recently reported an increase in cataract patients and one of the biggest concerns was their ability to see well while driving…especially at night.
If you fall into the “over 40” category, vision changes may be normal. Most common among this age group is presbyopia, which may impact your ability to see your dashboard or GPS system. Another common condition could be dry-eye disease, especially this time of the year; cooler temps requiring drivers to turn on the heater. The good news is both presbyopia and dry eye can be easily treated to improve vision quality. Additionally, it’s recommended for those who wear corrective lenses to ensure your eye glasses (and contact lenses) are clean and the prescription is up-to-date.
Awareness of common vision-related changes and problems can help you and your loved ones stay safe while driving. The following major eye diseases that impact vision include:
Recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Dr. Shofner, if you notice any of the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist right away:
Having regular eye exams can help your ophthalmologist find these changes early, and treat conditions promptly before they cause irreversible vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist starting at age 40.
Contact your local eye doctor or schedule an appointment online atShofner Vision Center.