Is it Safe to Drive with Astigmatism? Driving with Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that can cause blurry vision. If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, you might wonder what this means in terms of driving, as safety could be an issue. This post will tell you everything you need to know about driving and astigmatism.
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism means that the eye is shaped more like a ruby ball than a football, which results in light focusing at more than one place in the eye. This can lead to blurred vision, headaches, and eye strain. It often happens alongside short-sightedness or long-sightedness and it is a very common condition and can be developed at any point in your life, which is why regular eye tests are important.
Why is it Dangerous for Motorists?
Of course, any kind of eye condition can make it dangerous to drive. With astigmatism, the bright lights on the road can cause vision problems, making driving at night dangerous. It is easy to get dazzled by headlights, which could temporarily blind a motorist – this can easily lead to an accident and/or swerving off the road.
Are Car Headlights Too Bright?
A recent RAC study revealed that a whopping 89% of motorists believe that car headlights are too bright. Out of those who believe the headlights are too bright, 91% reported being dazzled while driving. This means it is certainly an issue for those with astigmatism as they are already susceptible to bright lights. The switch to LED bulbs is thought to be the main reason for headlights being too bright.
What Can You Do?
The good news is that astigmatism is highly manageable once it has been diagnosed. You can use glasses or contact lenses for astigmatism to correct your vision, which makes lights less dazzling when driving. This will make it safer for you to drive at night and should help you feel more confident behind the wheel. Laser eye and lens surgery is another option, as you can benefit from permanent results without having to worry about glasses/contact lenses.
Surgical Options
Of course, surgery can be expensive, there may be some side effects, and there will always be a risk of complications (although these are minor). Surgery can be a great option if you can afford it and/or have more severe vision problems, but astigmatism is also easy enough to manage with glasses or contact lenses.
Astigmatism is a common eye condition and one that can be easily managed, but it is important to consider safety when it comes to driving. This is particularly true as the vast majority of motorists find headlights to be too bright, so those with astigmatism must make sure that they choose the most suitable treatment options for their situation.
This is a collaborative post.
