A recent national study from the University of Michigan shows that older drivers with vision problems are much more likely to stop driving or avoid difficult driving situations. Those with serious vision issues are four times more likely to quit driving altogether.
Driving is very important for older adults because it helps them stay independent and active. Unlike past generations, today’s seniors drive longer and more often. But vision problems can make driving harder and more dangerous.
The study used real vision tests and data from across the country. It found that 14% of Americans aged 65 and older have trouble seeing far away or have difficulty noticing objects that don’t stand out well from their background. These vision problems affect their driving habits a lot. Over 25% of older drivers with vision issues stop driving within a year, compared to only 12% of those with normal vision.
People with moderate to severe trouble seeing far away are the most affected. They are four times more likely to stop driving completely and up to 4.5 times more likely to avoid driving at night or on busy highways.
The research also challenges old beliefs about what kind of vision problems are most dangerous for drivers. Previously, experts thought that trouble seeing objects against similar backgrounds (called contrast sensitivity) was the best way to predict driving risks. But the study shows that problems with seeing far away, especially when combined with contrast sensitivity issues, are even more important.
Joshua Ehrlich, a research professor involved in the study, said, “This isn’t about which test is better. Many older adults have several vision problems at once. Relying only on the standard eye chart at the DMV is like checking just one symptom of a disease.”
Families should pay attention to small changes in their loved ones’ vision, like difficulty with glare or missing road signs, as these could signal driving risks.
The researchers recommend updating road safety policies, such as using “vision-aware” road designs with high-contrast signs and offering driver rehabilitation programs to help older adults adjust to vision loss.
Xu, another researcher, added, “We’re failing older drivers by using outdated vision tests. Instead of taking away licenses, we should make street signs easier to see.”
This study fills important gaps by using strong, nationwide data and multiple vision tests to better understand how vision problems affect older drivers’ decisions to stop or limit driving.
The team is also looking into transportation options for older adults with vision problems. Early findings show many do not have access to good public transit.
“When driving stops, isolation often starts,” Xu said. “We need systems that keep people safe without forcing them to lose their independence.”
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