Glaucoma & Driving: The Guide

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and causes peripheral visual field loss.   If left undetected or untreated, sight loss can occur. Glaucoma is referred to as the silent thief of sight as it usually presents with no symptoms. That is why having a regular early-sight test is very important to detect the disease. For those over age 40 and those with a family history, having a regular sight test is even more critical for this reason.

In this guide, our experts have compiled everything you need to know about driving if you have Glaucoma.

Can You Drive with Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, when detected early and well controlled, should not impact driving. Most people that have Glaucoma can drive safely and never lose their licence. If you have Glaucoma in both eyes, you have a legal duty to inform the DVLA. If you are a commercial driver, e.g. HGV, and have Glaucoma in one eye, you must also inform the DVLA.

How Can Glaucoma Affect Your Driving?

Glaucoma impacts the peripheral vision mainly and, when well managed (most cases), has little to no effects on driving as the visual field and vision are preserved, and your brain will adapt to slight losses.

If Glaucoma is unstable, advanced, or you are unaware you have Glaucoma, this can make driving much riskier as you may have significant areas of visual loss, including central vision.  The danger comes, especially in driving, when the damaged areas in each eye overlap. Instead of an accurate combined visual picture, the brain fills in the missing parts of the visual image.

If you have any concerns about your vision, you must stop driving and have a sight-test. A regular sight test is crucial to detect and prevent sight loss caused by Glaucoma. If you have been diagnosed with Glaucoma, compliance with medicine is important to ensure vision is preserved.

Do You Need to Inform the DVLA If You Have Glaucoma?

In the UK, if you have Glaucoma in both eyes, you’re required by law to inform the DVLA(Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency); the condition is considered to impact on your ability to meet the minimum vision requirements to drive safely.

In general, if a person has visual field loss, then the DVLA requires a visual field test to determine if the person meets the appropriate standard for driving.

Glaucoma in One Eye

Patients with Glaucoma in one eye who hold a Group 2 (commercial) driving license for larger vehicles (buses, lorries) MUST inform the DVLA – the higher visual standards for commercial driving licences mean that they need a thorough assessment of any potential loss of vision.

However, for Group 1 drivers – those who drive cars and motorcycles for non-commercial use – there’s no obligation to inform the DVLA if Glaucoma only affects one eye, so long as the other eye has regular sight. This distinction is important because commercial drivers must meet a higher safety standard than those driving privately.

Glaucoma in Both Eyes

A person with Glaucoma in both eyes is legally obliged to inform the DVLA, as the damage to peripheral vision can render the person’s driving dangerous. Failure to disclose glaucoma-affected eyes can entail a fine of up to £1,000 – and, in more serious cases, prosecution if an accident results from this. The DVLA will request a visual field test to demonstrate that the driver still meets the legal standards for safe driving, and failure to disclose this information could result in the revocation of the driving licence.

Will My Car Insurance Be Affected?

Strictly speaking, it could affect your vehicle insurance premiums, but this does vary by insurer. Most insurers will ask you to divulge any medical condition that may impact your driving, including Glaucoma.

However, if your condition is well controlled, and the DVLA has confirmed you meet the standard vision requirements to drive, many insurers will keep your premium high. If you have Glaucoma, but you do not disclose it, and this significantly impacts your vision, your insurance policy could be voided if it results in an accident. Insurers will view each case on an individual basis, but Glaucoma alone should not lead to a higher premium if you are cleared to drive by the DVLA.

When Should I Stop Driving If I Have Glaucoma?

You should only ever drive if you feel safe to do so even if you have been told you meet the driving requirements.

If you have Glaucoma and a consultant tells you you are no longer safe to drive, you must stop driving and inform the DVLA.

Driving After a Glaucoma Test

You can expect your pupils to be dilated during a Glaucoma test. This means you cannot drive back from your appointment. Please arrange appropriate transport with this in mind.

Get in Touch Today!

At Optegra, we have dedicated eye hospitals nationwide that can offer help and advice for Glaucoma. Our world-renowned consultants are NHS-trained and have the highest level of experience to support you. Contact us now to discuss your options and book your free online consultation.