What happens to our eyes as we get older?
- As we age our retina becomes less sensitive to light. More light makes it easier to see and drive and older drivers require significantly more light than younger drivers.
- Our ability to change our focus starts to slow down around age 40. A driver over the age of 40 can take at least a second longer to refocus than a younger driver takes (such as when looking up from the dash to the road ahead.)
- We become more sensitive to glare because the lenses of our eyes thicken and the pupils become smaller. A 55-year old takes eight times longer to recover from glare than a 17-year old.
- Peripheral vision narrows and depth perception declines as we age. Depth perception is important because we use it to judge how fast other cars are moving.
- Colours become more difficult to see - especially moving Reds as used in brake lights and traffic lights.
BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation
What can cause poor eyesight?
- Natural ageing process
- High Blood Pressure
- Ear Infections and Sinus
- Overactive thyroid function
- Constant headaches
- Blurred vision
- Not being able to focus
- Sore, burning or red eyes
There are 5 main causes of eye disease in the UK, some are more serious than others but they all pose a serious threat to safe driving if they are not treated.
- Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis
- Dry Eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
What happens to our eyes as we get older? - Safety Advice for older drivers.
Tips and Advice - Article No.15 RoadDriver 2010
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