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better driver

Just in case you didn't have enough to worry about while headed down the 401. It is entirely possible that millions of drivers over 40 years of age are driving blind – to the risk of developing glaucoma.

A study conducted in July for the International Glaucoma Association says the majority of people in that age group, which is most vulnerable to the disease, did not know that glaucoma affects peripheral vision.

That reduction in peripheral vision can seriously affect driver awareness and in many jurisdictions can be reason enough to deny a licence to drive.

The survey of more than 1,000 drivers in Great Britain, where the IGA is headquartered, found that although almost everyone (96 per cent) knew about the disease, half of those let glaucoma go untreated. Almost one-third of those in the 40-54 age group – where susceptibility starts to increase – fail to have an eye test every two years or less, as recommended by health professionals. Glaucoma treatment is most effective if applied in the early stages.

What worries the IGA is the lack of knowledge about the disease. The survey found that 30 per cent of the drivers interviewed had no idea how the disease is diagnosed and an additional 14 per cent felt they would recognize the symptoms as their sight deteriorated. David Wright, chief executive of the IGA, says that is not the case, that glaucoma is very difficult to detect because of its slow development.

"Too many people over 40 assume their eyesight is fine and don't bother with regular eye testing that includes simple, painless tests for glaucoma," he says. "Thousands of drivers are on our roads with undiagnosed and untreated glaucoma and millions are not testing frequently enough; it is a glaring risk for drivers, passengers and pedestrians."

There are three simple and painless tests for glaucoma which are routinely performed during an eye test.

The IGA says the pity is that if detected and treated early, most glaucoma patients can carry on driving for many years and "avoid the life-changing impact of losing their licence."

The survey revealed the depth of that impact. More than 80 per cent of respondents said losing their licence would dramatically or considerably change their life. Almost three-quarters said it would impact their social life and 21 per cent said they would no longer be able to do their job.

The IGA says medical research indicates that with early detection and regular treatment with eye drops the majority of glaucoma patients can carry on driving for an average of 12 years more than a patient who goes undetected and treated.

Glaucoma starts by affecting the inner and outer edges of the field of vision, moving into the centre stages only in the later stages.

The danger is that when the inside edges overlap and the brain tries to construct an image it does so inaccurately, which can result in a large blind spot.

For more information on this important driver safety issue, check out The IGA 'EyeWay Code:' to keep your eyes and life on the road after 40 years old, downloadable from glaucoma-association.com.

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