08 Dec The Dangers of Cataracts for Senior Drivers
Cataracts are part of the natural aging process of the eye and are the leading cause of visual loss for people 55 or older. Having cataract surgery can not only dramatically improve your vision, but also make it safer to drive.
Reuters Health recently conducted a study involving 2,849 drivers age 60 and older in Western Australia, all of whom had cataract surgery on both eyes and were involved in vehicular crashes as the driver.
“Altogether, 1,312 participants were involved in 1,347 crashes in the year before their first eye cataract surgery, 775 participants were involved in 850 crashes in the period between first and second surgery, and 895 participants were involved in 916 crashes as the driver in the year after the second surgery.
After accounting for other risk factors, the researchers found a 61 percent reduction in crash risk after these drivers’ first cataract was removed and a 23 percent reduction in accidents after their second cataract operation.”
This study highlights the importance of annual eye exams and getting checked for cataracts. It is extremely important to get your eyes checked by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist each year to maintain your eye health. You can schedule an annual eye exam with on of our doctors here.
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