[Ophthalmological assessment of driving ability of drivers at the age more than 60 years].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of visual function of drivers at the age more than 60 years, and assessment of the degree in which they meet requirements for candidates for driving license.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixty three drivers at the age 60 and more have been examined. Corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity, Ischihara test for color vision and confrontation visual field were done in all of them. Furthermore, patients have been inquired on everyday driving habits.

RESULTS

11% of patients did not meet ophthalmological requirements for drivers as defined by the law; 29% of patients had satisfying corrected visual acuity, but used to drive without correction. 60% of patients had satisfying corrected and uncorrected visual acuity and used correction during driving activity. The most common reason of impaired visual acuity was ametropia (83% of persons). The other reasons were: AMD (7%), cataract (6%) and glaucoma (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Owners of the driving licenses with no time limit are often active drivers, who do not fulfill ophthalmological requirements. (2) Implementation of additional medical examination for drivers at the age 60 and more should be considered. (3) Currently used ophthalmological examinations for drivers, may be insufficient, because they do not include all disorders of vision influencing enlarged risk of road collision.