January is National Eye Care Month, which is recognized as a time to emphasize the importance of vision health, including how it pertains to staying safe on the road. When it comes to driver safety, a lot of attention is paid to seatbelt use, distracted and impaired driving, and speed. However, vision is one of the most essential tools a driver has, yet not everyone goes for a yearly eye exam. United Health Care stated that only about 57% of people at high risk of vision loss visit an eye doctor annually.
According to the Center for Sight, as much as 90% of the information needed for an individual to drive comes through the eyes. That includes reading road signs, detecting hazards, and responding to brake lights and sudden movements.
According to the CDC, roughly 7 million Americans are visually impaired, with about 1 million classified as blind. For drivers, even moderate vision issues can impact reaction time, depth perception, and hazard awareness.
How Vision Impacts Crash Risk
Vision loss doesn’t always look like “blurry eyesight.” Conditions that affect peripheral vision, night vision, or depth perception can directly increase accident risk, sometimes without the driver realizing it.
Research published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that drivers with severe visual field loss are significantly more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions. This is especially true when vision loss occurs in both eyes.
The Journal of Optometry found that deficiencies such as depth perception problems, reduced visual acuity, and color blindness can limit a driver’s ability to judge speed, detect hazards, and interpret traffic signals quickly.
Eye Care Tips for Safer Driving
To ensure both personal safety and the safety of others on the road, drivers should prioritize their eye health. Here are some tips from The American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Get regular comprehensive eye exams, not just vision screenings
- Monitor changes in night vision or peripheral vision
- Update glasses or contact prescriptions routinely
- Know your family history, as glaucoma risk increases with genetics
- Pay attention to headaches, halos, or difficulty driving at night
Glaucoma Awareness
January is also recognized as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” because many people do not experience early symptoms.
According to the National Eye Institute, many individuals with glaucoma do not realize they have it until peripheral vision has already been damaged. Peripheral vision is crucial for noticing hazards from the sides, a key component of safe driving.
Additionally, CDC data estimates that more than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, though many cases remain undiagnosed.
The Bottom Line
Safe driving begins with seeing the road clearly. A simple eye exam can make a major difference on the road. Visit the MVA for vision tests and requirements for driving in Maryland.
