Healthy eyes allow us to see in a fairly wide horizontal field (155 degrees or more). Many states require a driver to be able to see 100 degrees or more in their horizontal field of view in at least one eye. This theoretically allows the driver to capture enough important details on both sides of their car while paying attention to what`s in front of them. Washington State: A rapid visual acuity test is performed for drivers who renew their driver`s license and is used to determine if a driver meets the 20/40 visual acuity standard with or without corrective lenses with both eyes. Customers equipped with biooptic lenses must pass the test without using the bioptic telescope. Being legally blind affects your eyesight, but that doesn`t have to stop you from living a fulfilling life. The focus is on visual acuity when it comes to determining whether it is safe to drive. However, some studies suggest that the focus should actually be on other elements of vision, such as visual field and contrast sensitivity. Also, most states have a procedure for getting a driver`s license even if you don`t meet the visual requirements. This method typically involves obtaining extensive reports from an optician or ophthalmologist, scheduling regular checks or updates, additional driving training, more difficult roadside inspection, and imposing licensing restrictions. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires drivers to have an eye test before obtaining a license.

Some visual impairments may require you to wear corrective lenses, while more severe conditions may prevent you from driving altogether. Restrictions based on vision tests vary from state to state and include mandatory use of corrective lenses, restriction of driving from sunrise to sunset, prohibition of driving on the highway, restriction of the area where driving is allowed, and requirement for additional mirrors (exterior left and right, wide angle, panorama and mounting on the wings). Montana issues a restricted territory license that indicates, for example, where a grocery store is located, driving for medical purposes, or driving to church. Most states have regulations that allow drivers to use telescopic lenses and, if necessary, demonstrate competence with other visual assistance devices. Visual acuity measures the clarity of vision at a distance of 20 feet. 20/20 is normal visual acuity. A 20/100 vision suggests that someone has to be as close as 20 feet to an object to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. In Illinois, the practitioner (ophthalmologist) is required to report an unfit driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles; However, there is no similar requirement in Missouri. If they think the patient should be tested or restricted, they can contact an anonymous hotline. American Medical Association. Expert opinion 2.24 Impaired drivers and their physicians.

Code of Medical Ethics. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association; 2010. www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/code-medical-ethics/opinion224.shtml. Retrieved 17 November 2010. As a rule, they are only allowed to drive if they meet certain visual field requirements. This usually means that they must be able to see horizontally at more than 100 degrees. That being said, technological changes are increasing the potential for blind people to travel easily by car, such as self-driving cars. If you don`t know the most advanced, vision-enhancing medical devices on the market today, driving during legal blindness may seem like an oxymoron. By carefully analyzing their vision and providing the appropriate medical equipment to improve it, we enable our blind patients to do a variety of important things, such as driving. Most people understand that we cannot allow a blind person to drive. While driving, decisions must be made very quickly with visual information. So there is not enough time to use elements such as sound or modern sensors to avoid serious accidents.

You know, my parents wanted me to drive, so I knew how to drive, so I wasn`t really disabled. Technically, you don`t need to tell your insurer about your medical conditions. But it`s always in your best interest to let your insurer know if you have a diagnosis or disability that affects your driving. If your insurer finds that an accident is due to an undiagnosed illness, they can legally deny your claim. You could also be charged with insurance fraud. Check your blind spots regularly and stick to your usual route as much as possible. If you notice that you`re having trouble seeing mistakes or making mistakes, stop (if it`s safe) and call someone to pick you up. Jason suffers from Stargardt`s disease, a degenerative eye disease that has left him legally blind.

When it escalates, Stargardt disease leaves a blind spot in the center of the field of vision, making it impossible to recognize faces, read a book or pass an eye test for a driver`s license. We prescribed telescopic glasses that allowed him to see and drive safely again. In fact, Jason recently completed an 8+-hour trip this summer that was once considered impossible, driving the entire course itself.