•Dr Priscilia Imade
Happy new month to all our readers. Our focus in this month of September is on Good eyesight and road safety.
We have entered the “ember” months, Nigerians need to be reminded of driving safe this season and on the role of good eyesight in driving.
COMMON EYE PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT DRIVING
Driving requires sharp vision to detect road signs, judge distances, and respond quickly to hazards. When vision is impaired, even slightly, the risk of road accidents increases significantly.
Among the most common eye problems that affect driving are night blindness, glaucoma, cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors.
Understanding these conditions and their warning signs can help drivers seek timely care and stay safe on the road.
1. Night Blindness (Nyctalopia)
Night blindness is a condition where individuals struggle to see clearly in low-light conditions or at night. This makes it difficult to read road signs, judge distances, or detect pedestrians in dimly lit areas.
Drivers with night blindness often experience glare from oncoming headlights, which can temporarily blind them.
Warning Signs:
• Difficulty seeing when driving at night or in poorly lit roads
• Slow adjustment to darkness after being exposed to bright lights
• Frequent blinking or squinting to focus in low light
2. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure. It can cause a gradual loss of peripheral vision, which is important for detecting vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians approaching from the sides. In advanced stages, it may lead to tunnel vision or complete blindness.
Warning Signs:
• Gradual narrowing of side (peripheral) vision
• Difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting
• Occasional eye pain, headaches, or blurred vision
3. Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry or hazy vision. This can make road signs appear unclear and increase sensitivity to glare from sunlight or headlights.
Older adults are more prone to developing cataracts, but they can also result from injury or prolonged UV exposure.
Warning Signs:
• Blurred or cloudy vision that does not improve with glasses
• Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
• Faded perception of colors and difficulty reading road signs.
4. Uncorrected Refractive Errors
Refractive errors occur when the eye cannot properly focus light, leading to blurred vision. They include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism. Drivers with uncorrected refractive errors may struggle to read signs, judge distances or recognise objects quickly.
Warning Signs:
• Blurred vision at certain distances (near or far)
• Eye strain, headaches, or squinting when focusing
• Difficulty reading road signs or dashboard displays.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EYE EXAMINATION
Most of these eye problems can be detected early through regular eye examinations.
Drivers are advised to have a comprehensive eye test at least once every one to two years, or more frequently if they notice any vision changes.
Timely diagnosis and treatment whether through corrective lenses, medication, or surgery, can significantly reduce the risk of road accidents.
Finally, good vision is an essential safety tool for every driver. Night blindness, glaucoma, cataracts, and uncorrected refractive errors can impair a driver’s ability to see clearly and respond swiftly on the road.
Recognising the warning signs and seeking professional care can make the difference between safe driving and serious accidents.
Prioritising eye health is not just a personal responsibility; it is a public safety imperative.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
