•Dr Priscilia Imade
Driving is one of the most visually demanding tasks in daily life. More than 90% of the information needed while driving is obtained through the eyes.
Good vision is essential for reading road signs, detecting hazards, and making timely decisions. However, when drivers develop eye problems, the symptoms may interfere with their performance and increase the risk of accidents.
Recognising these symptoms and understanding their effects on driving are important for road safety.
Some symptoms of eye problems in drivers include:
1. BLURRED VISION
Symptom: Objects appear unclear at distance or near, making it difficult to see road signs, vehicles, or dashboard details.
Effect on Driving: A driver may misread traffic signs, fail to recognize hazards in time, or misjudge distances between vehicles. This can delay reaction time and increase collision risks, especially at high speed.
2. DOUBLE VISION (Diplopia)
Symptom: Seeing two images of a single object.
Effect on Driving: Double vision confuses judgment of lane markings, distances and the position of oncoming vehicles. A driver may drift into another lane or struggle to keep their car centered, creating a high risk of accidents.
3. EYE STRAIN AND HEADACHES
Symptom: Discomfort, squinting, or frequent headaches after visual tasks.
Effect on Driving: A driver experiencing strain may lose concentration, fatigue more quickly, or make errors in judgment. Long journeys become unsafe, as attention to the road is constantly broken by discomfort.
4. SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT AND GLARE
Symptom: Discomfort or poor visibility under bright sunlight or from oncoming headlights at night.
Effect on Driving: Drivers may become temporarily blinded by headlight glare, slowing their response to hazards. Difficulty adjusting to changing light conditions (e.g., exiting a tunnel) increases accident risk.
5. DIFFICULTY SEEING AT NIGHT (Night Blindness)
Symptom: Poor vision in dimly lit conditions and inability to detect objects in the dark.
Effect on Driving: Night-blind drivers may fail to notice pedestrians, cyclists or road markings until it is too late. Overtaking and navigating poorly lit roads become dangerous, often forcing such drivers to avoid night driving altogether.
6. REDUCED PERIPHERAL VISION (Tunnel Vision)
Symptom: Narrowing of the field of view, with only central vision remaining clear.
Effect on Driving: Peripheral vision is vital for noticing vehicles approaching from the side, pedestrians crossing, or changes in traffic flow. Drivers with tunnel vision are at high risk of side collisions or missing sudden movements outside their central gaze.
7. FLASHES AND FLOATERS
Symptom: Sudden appearance of bright flashes or dark spots drifting in vision.
Effect on Driving: Flashes may distract drivers at crucial moments, while floaters can obscure vision of road markings or approaching objects. In severe cases, these symptoms signal retinal detachment, which can cause sudden vision loss while driving.
8. FREQUENT EYE IRRITATION, REDNESS AND ITCHING
Symptom: Eyes appear bloodshot, feel itchy, gritty or watery. Causes may include allergies, dryness, infections or fatigue.
Effect on Driving:
Irritated eyes distract drivers, causing them to rub or blink excessively while driving.
Redness linked to dryness (common in air-conditioned cars) may cause intermittent blur, interfering with reading road signs.
If due to infections like conjunctivitis, redness may come with discharge, glare sensitivity or blurred vision, all of which reduce driving safety.
Constant itching or tearing breaks concentration and makes it harder to keep steady control of the vehicle.
CONCLUSION
Finally, eye problems in drivers are not only a personal health issue but also a serious public safety concern. Symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, glare sensitivity, night blindness, reduced peripheral vision, eye strain, irritation and floaters all have direct consequences on driving performance. They impair a driver’s ability to detect hazards, judge distances, and react quickly, increasing the likelihood of road accidents.
Regular eye examinations, proper vision correction and timely treatment of eye diseases are essential.
By paying attention to these warning signs, drivers can protect themselves and others, ensuring safer roads for all.
*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.
