Eye test and driving

[Stella Tortoise]

I went for a regular eye test last Friday and the optician said that there was no real need to change my glasses and that my eyes were largely the same as last time, happy days as I only need glasses for driving and conferences where I need to view presentations from the back of the room.

I was about to leave when the girl said that I need to do the peripheral vision test before leaving, as an aside the test was free as my Mum has Glaucoma.

I failed the peripheral twice in my right eye, I sensed that I went about 10 seconds without clicking so all was not well.

I need to go back on Friday for some more tests and they will dilate my eye so I can't drive home afterwards, no worries, the Mrs can drive and we can go for lunch afterwards and I can have wine.

However, I'm starting to feel uneasy about this, what are the chances of me being taken off the road if there's an issue with the peripheral vision?

Any guidance/ideas?

Edited by Stella Tortoise on Monday 20th January 19:15

[Mr Pointy]

It's not a test where you have to score 100% so don't panic that you didn't catch every one. I had a cataract which limited my ability to see all of the little flashes (or shimmering patches - I've had two types) & at one point I was sent to an eye clinic for more detailed measurement. No one mentioned about any issues with driving, although obviously if you have tunnel vision then there would be an issue.

I actually find the test quite stressful in that I don't want to miss any flashes. I had to re-do one as I was getting too many false clicks.

Did they measure the eye pressures properly? Mine were over 40 at one point which caused a bit of a panic.

[mike9009]

I have failed the peripheral vision test a couple of times. It really takes some getting used to - so I wouldn't overtly worry at this early stage.

( Mine was after some fairly extensive retinal laser surgery)

Did they show you where you were missing?

I had issues focussing and wearing glasses whilst doing the test. The rims of my standard glasses were blocking my vision in certain areas. So I moved to contacts lenses which meant I got a pass, eventually. I think there are more modern versions of the test now which correct for short sightedness.

I have the glaucoma pressure tests too as my mum has glaucoma. Did the optician do this test too?

Best of luck....

[LordHaveMurci]

Stella Tortoise said:

I went for a regular eye test last Friday and the optician said that there was no real need to change my glasses and that my eyes were largely the same as last time, happy days as I only need glasses for driving and conferences where I need to view presentations from the back of the room.

I was about to leave when the girl said that I need to do the peripheral vision test before leaving, as an aside the test was free as my Mum has Glaucoma.

I failed the peripheral twice in my right eye, I sensed that I went about 10 seconds without clicking so all was not well.

I need to go back on Friday for some more tests and they will dilate my eye so I can't drive home afterwards, no worries, the Mrs can drive and we can go for lunch afterwards and I can have wine.

However, I'm starting to feel uneasy about this, what are the chances of me being taken off the road if there's an issue with the peripheral vision?

Any guidance/ideas?

Edited by Stella Tortoise on Monday 20th January 19:15

People with no sight in one eye can drive so I think you'll be fine!

[mike9009]

LordHaveMurci said:

People with no sight in one eye can drive so I think you'll be fine!

A colleague at work has lost vision in one eye, glaucoma, diabetes and had cataracts. He is still driving.

[LordHaveMurci]

mike9009 said:

A colleague at work has lost vision in one eye, glaucoma, diabetes and had cataracts. He is still driving.

I can name at least two.