Vision is important when you are driving as it means you will be able to judge all the potential hazards and ensure you keep yourself, as well as other road users, safe. The risks of crashes increase when driving with impaired vision.

However, with around 47 per cent of the population reporting slight visual disorders, it is important this is monitored, according to the Optometrists Association of Australia’s Victorian division. This has led to vision testing practice across the country, although the amount of testing can vary from state to state.

Driving at night has increased risk for people with vision disorders also, as the lower light conditions, as well as glare from oncoming traffic and street lights cause distraction. Did you know a pedestrian is 7 times higher risk to be hit from a car when walking at night to during the day?

Many people either ignore, or don’t realise that their vision is not at acceptable standards for driving. The risks to other road users and pedestrians is much higher when you drive with a vision disorder.

Some conditions, such as Glaucoma, can cause loss of visual field, that is so gradual that the person doesn’t even realise that they have vision loss. Other conditions such as Macular Degeneration and Cataracts can also significantly impact driving safety.

The standard to pass a driving exam is 6/12 in Australia. However 6/6 is considered perfect vision. If you are driving (especially at night) with 6/12 vision you may notice that signs are harder to read. Do you want to risk not seeing well when driving?

If it has been longer than 2 years since your last eye exam, OR you notice difficulties with your vision when driving it is very important to make an appointment for an eye examination. You can book in online www.eyesataustralind.com.au or call us on 9796 1966

We have innovative lens products from Zeiss that are designed specifically to address some of the issues when driving in low light conditions. Ask us for more information on the DriveSafe lens by Zeiss in store.