Eyesight and Driving: What to Know as You Age

Driving when you’re in your 40s and beyond isn’t like getting behind the wheel as a teenager. Aging has a tremendous effect on crucial safe-driving requirements, such as strong vision.

Vision changes can develop gradually and affect glare recovery, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and the ability to see clearly at night. These changes can make certain driving conditions more difficult, although age or vision changes alone do not explain why a crash occurs.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers age 65 and older were involved in 8,019 fatal crashes nationwide in 2024, representing 20% of all fatal traffic crashes. Regular eye examinations can help identify vision changes that may affect driving and determine whether updated glasses, treatment, or changes to driving habits could help.

It’s important to be aware of vision changes that occur with age so you can take steps to navigate the road safely amid them. Here are some aging-related driving issues to be aware of, along with tips for driving safely as you age and signs that your vision may be too poor for safe driving.

Vision Changes That Affect Driving

Many vision changes are normal and unavoidable as we age. Be aware of these so you can take steps to enhance your vision for driving.

• Decreased pupil size: Aging reduces pupil size, making the eyes less responsive to changes in light. Older adults need more ambient light to see clearly. Reduced pupil size can also cause a glare effect in bright sunlight. Glare sensitivity can cause temporary loss of clear vision and impact reaction time when driving.
• Vitreous detachment: The eye’s vitreous body is a clear gel between the retina and the lens. Aging causes vitreous detachment, which can lead to light flashes, floaters, or spots. While the effects are mostly harmless on foot, they can impact your line of vision behind the wheel.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia affects adults in their 40s and older. This is a term for difficulty seeing things up close. Safe driving requires the ability to read signs and see what’s ahead of you to avoid hitting things, park correctly, and perform other essential driving functions.
• Low light vision difficulties: As people enter their 60s, the ability to see clearly in low lighting decreases. This can make driving at sunset and later more difficult.
• Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, it can take the form of myopic creep, meaning the condition worsens with age. Myopia can make it difficult to read highway signs or see vehicles and hazards in the distance.
• Loss of peripheral vision: With each decade of life, peripheral vision decreases by up to 3 degrees. This means that when you reach your 70s, you may have lost about 20 degrees of peripheral vision. Decreased peripheral vision can affect your ability to see the vehicles around you and to change lanes safely, especially when obstacles are in your blind spots.
• Dry eyes: We produce fewer tears as we age, which can lead to dry eyes. Dry eyes can result in burning or stinging sensations. If these come on while you’re driving, it can be distracting and dangerous.

It’s important to get regular eye exams at least once a year so your doctor can identify changes in your vision. Your eye doctor can provide solutions to help improve your vision so you can stay safe while driving.

Senior Driving Safety Tips

Regular eye examinations and adherence to doctor orders are essential to staying safe while driving. If you’re prescribed glasses or contacts, make sure to wear them anytime you drive for your safety and the safety of those around you. In some instances, it’s also required by law.

Additionally, here are some tips for driving safely as vision ages.

• Nighttime driving: Road fatalities occur three times as often at night compared to during the day, according to Popular Mechanics. You can avoid nighttime driving or ask your eye doctor if there are eyeglass options to help you see the road better at night. You can also dim your dashboard lights to improve nighttime visibility.
• Glasses: If you’ve experienced glare while driving, let your eye doctor know. You could get glasses with an anti-reflective coating or with wavefront diagnostic technology to reduce glare.
• Navigation: Try to plan out trips ahead of time and drive on familiar roads, especially at night.

You should also keep your car clean, especially your side mirrors. Dirty mirrors make it difficult to drive safely, even for people with perfect vision.

Red Flags for Medically Impaired Driving

Sometimes, certain eye conditions can make driving dangerous. If you have any of these vision problems, you could be a danger on the road for yourself, other motorists, and pedestrians.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD can cause vision loss, leading to blurred vision or the inability to see certain elements in your view. If you have AMD, you could miss a critical piece of visual information while driving.
• Cataracts: A cataract is a cloudy lens that can blur vision. Not being able to see clearly can lead you to misread a road sign or misjudge distance on the road. You may be able to treat cataracts with cataract surgery.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is linked to a buildup of pressure inside the eye and can develop without obvious symptoms. It can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, making it impossible to drive safely.
• Macular puckers and holes: Macular puckers and holes may cause a loss of central vision, blurred vision, or distorted vision. This condition impairs your ability to see clearly while driving.

Depending on the condition, you may be experiencing the early stages. With treatment, you may still be able to drive safely. Consult with your eye doctor about driving recommendations.

If you don’t feel confident and in control when you drive, it’s safer to use public transportation or ride with a friend or a ride-share company.

Getting behind the wheel presents risks to any driver. Having vision issues makes driving even more dangerous for everyone on the road.

When Was the Last Time You Had Your Vision Checked?

Safe driving requires regular visits to your eye doctor. You may be developing an eye issue with no obvious symptoms. Catching eye issues early in the eye doctor’s office can help you treat them and remain a safe driver.

Remember to:

• Always get and use the proper eye treatment recommended to you when driving.
• Visit your eye doctor before you need to renew your license or take a vision test for your license.
• Avoid nighttime driving. Use vision tools that can help you be a safer driver at all times.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable driving because of your vision, consult with your doctor before driving again.

If you need an eye check-up to stay safe on the road, visit the nearest location. You can also call the office to schedule an appointment.