Macular Degeneration and Driving

For those with macular degeneration, driving can seem far more difficult or even impossible. As for those of us who drive, it’s not just about getting from place to place; it’s about the independence it can bring. Therefore, it’s perfectly natural to feel a sense of loss and confusion at the suggestion of giving up or even reducing your driving.

The key is to understand your own limitations when driving with macular degeneration. The condition deteriorates central vision like detecting and seeing details, reading signs, and recognising people – all essential tasks for safe driving. The risks can be further heightened when driving at night and driving in less familiar locations. To help alleviate your concerns, our eye health experts will be highlighting the driving impacts that may concern individuals with macular degeneration.

Can You Drive with Macular Degeneration?

Having macular degeneration does not automatically exclude people from driving. Many people can still drive; however, having an eye condition that affects both eyes and cannot be corrected by prescription glasses means it is a legal duty for you to inform the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA).

Your eye health care provider (optometrist) will assess your vision annually and advise whether you meet the driving standards. This will be assessed in two parts.

• A test of your visual acuity, which measures the sharpness of your vision. To drive a private car or motorbike, you must have a minimum binocular visual acuity of at least 6/12. This means that when you use both eyes together, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, you can see at 6 metres what a person with normal vision can see at 12 metres.
• A visual field test measures your field of vision. You must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.

You can also regularly assess yourself by using number-plate test checks to see whether you can read a standard car number plate in good daylight, wearing any prescription spectacles, from 20 metres.

You can try it by walking 25 paces away from a parked car – one picked at random, not one you know – and see if you can read the number plate. This is only an indication and does not guarantee your sight meets the required standard for driving, so you should attend your regular eye exam to ascertain whether you meet the requirements.

You should ensure that you feel safe and confident about your driving. If you meet the requirements and have doubts about safety, please discuss this with your eye care provider or GP. It’s perfectly natural to feel a sense of loss and confusion at the suggestion of giving up or even reducing driving.

If it seems you may need to stop driving in the future, it is better to take control and plan ahead.  Investigate local public transport. If you are registered as sight impaired, there may be travel discounts available. By not running and insuring a car, you will be able to spend this money on other forms of transport.

How Can Macular Degeneration Affect Your Driving?

Macular degeneration causes blurring of central vision, which can make it more difficult to read signs or adapt to light changes.

If the disease progresses, driving may become more challenging; if at any point (even before your next routine eye important) you feel unsafe to drive, it is important to get an assessment from your optometrist or ophthalmologist,

Using Macular Degeneration Glasses for Driving

People with AMD often experience heightened sensitivity to glare and bright light, which can further impair vision. An anti-reflective coating can reduce glare. Similarly, polarised lenses are effective for driving with macular degeneration as they cut glare from headlights and direct sunlight. You should not wear sunglasses or tinted lenses when driving as this can reduce light levels entering the eye and make driving conditions worse.

Do I Need to Report My Macular Degeneration to the DVLA?

Yes, If your eye health care professional advises you have a condition that affects both eyes and vision cannot be corrected with prescription glasses, you have a legal obligation to report this to the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) as it impacts the ability to drive safely. If you have any questions about whether this applies to you, please check with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Failing to report a medical condition to the DVLA can result in a £1,000 fine. Learn more about DVLA macular degeneration and driving.

Will My Car Insurance Be Affected?

Having macular degeneration affects your car insurance, partly because you’re legally required to tell both the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and your insurance company about any condition that might affect your ability to drive safely – not telling them could void your policy.

Your insurer will then ask for further medical reports or assessments to determine your risk and, based on the severity of your condition and your ability to meet the DVLA’s driving standards, whether it will increase your insurance premiums or even dictate limits on your terms or a refusal of your cover. As long as you are found to be fit to drive by the DVLA and continue to comply with their requirements, you should still be able to get car insurance. But you could pay a higher price.

How Long Can You Drive with Macular Degeneration?

As long as you continue to meet the legal driving requirements, you will be able to drive with macular degeneration. You will need to have your vision assessed every 12 months. You can still drive if your vision is stable and your eye specialist is satisfied that it is safe for you to do so (i.e., you will not pose a threat to yourself or others).

Even if you are medically cleared to drive, it’s best not to take unnecessary risks, know your limits, and adapt by, perhaps,  driving locally during daylight hours and giving preference to public transport for long-distance journeys. As low light can worsen AMD symptoms, you may want to consider avoiding driving at night.

How Can Optegra Help with My Macular Degeneration?

At Optegra, we treat both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration. Until now, the extent of addressing Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD) has primarily revolved around dietary supplements and lifestyle adjustments. At Optegra, we’re excited to offer patients the latest breakthrough in Dry AMD treatment.  The Valeda Light Delivery System (LDS) offers a safe, non-invasive, and painless therapy, making it the only permanent treatment for Dry AMD.

At Optegra, we have dedicated eye hospitals nationwide that can assist with dry, age-related macular degeneration. Our world-renowned consultants are NHS-trained and have the highest level of experience. Contact us now to discuss your options and book a free online consultation.