Cataracts and Driving

Cataracts can interfere with your ability to drive safely and comfortably. A Cataract can cause glare sensitivity in both bright and dark conditions and can even cause halos around lights for night driving. In addition to the glare and halo problem there is another night driving problem called "night myopia". In dim lighting, and especially at night, we lose the ability to accurately maintain our focus. This may be due to the fact that under dim or dark lighting conditions, the pupil of our eyes dilates and become larger causing a decrease in our "depth of focus". This phenomenon occurs regardless of age but may be more significant as we get older and especially for those who have Cataracts. In addition, the ability to see well in low contrast situations, such as night driving, is critical in seeing lane markers, curbs, barriers and objects in the road. Cataracts reduce your ability to see in low contrast. All in all, driving at night with a Cataract can be a challenge. According to the study reported in Archives of Ophthalmology in 2001, older drivers with Cataracts have poor low contrast vision and thus have 2.5 times greater motor vehicle collision risk than those without Cataracts.

If you think that you may be developing a Cataract or have been told that you have Cataracts, please feel free to discuss any difficulty that you might be experiencing with night vision problems and driving problems with Dr. Whitaker. Dr. Whitaker will take the time necessary to carefully evaluate your individual situation so that he can most effectively help you determine the best time to have Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Implantation so as to maintain your lifestyle and avoid any undue safety issues while driving.