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Driving and vision. Driving and vision. The importance of good vision for driving can not be overemphasised. You must be able to see AT LEAST the “6/12” line on the eye chart Your horizontal visual field must be more than 120 degrees These tests are binocula r.
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Driving and vision The importance of good vision for driving can not be overemphasised
You must be able to see AT LEAST the “6/12” line on the eye chart Your horizontal visual field must be more than 120 degrees These tests are binocular Visual standards for a regular Australian driver’s license
Double vision when looking straight ahead Loss of vision in one eye should not drive for three months after loss Eye infections Poor night vision Other visual reasons for not driving
Visual standards – commercial vehicle license Visual standards for a commercial vehicle license are more rigorous than those required for a regular license
Refractive error - short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism Ocular disease - cataract, glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration Injury to the eye Reasons for decreased vision
Short sightedness (Myopia) Distance vision blurry, near vision usually ok Short sighted focus Short sighted correction
Long sightedness (Hyperopia) Difficulty seeing clearly and comfortably up close Long sighted focus Long sighted correction
The eye is shaped more like a football than a basketball Focusing error that causes blur in one direction Astigmatism
Correcting refractive error • A tint may be useful • Especially important at night or in wet conditions • Some people who pass the test still feel more comfortable with glasses
Cataract • Cloudiness in lens of eye • Usually gradual loss of vision • Common after 60 • May require surgery
Normal retina retinal blood vessels macula optic nerve
Age-related macular degeneration • Deterioration of central retina • Loss of central vision • Distorted vision, patches missing • Some treatment available
Diabetic retinopathy • Changes to retinal blood vessels • More likely when • Person has been diabetic for a long time • Blood sugar is not controlled well • Some treatment is available • Regular review is necessary
Glaucoma • Disease of optic nerve • Loss of peripheral vision • Prevalence increases with age and family history • Treatment best in early stages
Colour vision defect • Varies in severity • Can affect brightness of traffic lights and brake lights • Most commonly red/green • 8% of males, 0.5 % of females
Having a colour vision defect is not a restriction to getting a normal license, however it may prevent you from obtaining a license for a commercial motor vehicle Colour vision defect
Talk to your optometrist about how often your eyes should be tested Regular eye examinations
Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focussing problems Optometrists
Optometrists • Are university educated and undertake continuing professional education • No referral is required • Eye tests attract a medicare rebate
Optometrists Association Australia www.optometrists.asn.au Yellow Pages To find an optometrist