How to Drive With Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is a chronic disease of the eye that is the leading cause of vision loss in people over age 60 in the U.S. The disease causes degeneration of tissue in the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision, resulting in a blind spot that interferes with reading, driving, and other activities requiring clear central vision. An early symptom is a blurry or gray spot in the central vision surrounded by wavy lines.

Because macular degeneration distorts your central vision, you may have difficulty seeing road signs, pedestrians or bikers, and oncoming traffic while you are driving.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your eye doctor to examine you for macular degeneration and to determine the severity of the condition. A common test is the Amsler grid, a graph-like design with a black spot in the center. If the center appears to disappear, and if the straight lines appear wavy, you may have AMD. If you have the condition in early stages, or only in one eye, a small area of your central vision may be affected with vision loss or distortion. Your peripheral (side) vision may not be affected. If the vision loss is slight, you may not notice any changes, and your doctor may tell you whether or not it is safe for you to continue driving.

• 2

  Ask your doctor to refer you to a driver rehabilitation specialist, or go to www.aota.org/olderdriver or www.aded.net to locate a specialist in your area. This specialist can accompany you on a drive to see whether AMD has affected your driving and may also train you to improve your driving skills. Your local senior citizens center or community education program may offer courses through which you can refresh your driving skills.

• 3

  Drive only under the best conditions possible. Try to restrict your trips to daytime, in clear weather, on low-traffic streets and roads, and familiar areas. Avoid poor visibility, rush-hour traffic, and snowy or icy conditions. Plan your route ahead of time by checking a map, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Keep your car windshield clean and keep your car in good repair.

• 4

  Schedule your vision tests regularly to be sure that your AMD has not worsened. Ask your doctor for a copy of the Amsler grid so that you can monitor your vision frequently at home (see the Resources section). If AMD is in only one eye, and the vision in your other eye is adequate or corrected by glasses, you may be able to continue driving for months or years. If AMD develops in both eyes, however, driving will become unsafe for you.

• 5

  Know when it's time to hang up the car keys. If you find yourself straining more and more to see while you are driving, or if you have an accident or "near misses," or if family members or other passengers express concern for your safety, look for other transportation options in your community.