Vision Tests Are Now More Important Than Ever When Renewing Your Driver’s License

Dec. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- News Body    As of late, many states have been re-establishing the importance of vision tests for the elderly when it comes to renewing their driver’s licenses. This is an issue that is not only prevalent in America, but overseas as well. In fact, in the UK alone, it is estimated the drivers with poor sight cause as much as $52.7 million a year in insurance claims.

Tribeca VIsion, one of the most respected Manhattan optometrists in Brooklyn, knows just how important the freedom of driving can be to our older generations. Due to this, they are currently stressing the importance of eyecare and vision screening for individuals over 65 years of age.

Recent studies have shown that the death rate among drivers over 85 years of age is almost triple as compared to drivers ranging from 16-18. While there are many factors in age that increase the risk of a fatal accident, proper vision is the most important.

Sadly, many people don’t understand just how serious many age-related issues can get without being tended to by a Manhattan optometrist. It not only harms your vision, but also your way of life...as can be seen in the way it is taking its toll on many older drivers.

So don’t put off an eye exam, especially if you are over the age of 50 or so. You should see your optometrist regularly to prevent any existing problems from worsening. Regular visits to your optometrist can make a drastic change in your chances of passing any sort of vision screening that is necessary for the renewal of your driver’s license.

Basic tests for aging people include, but are not specifically limited to:

A visual field test
Eye pressures test
Refraction testing
A dilated retinal exam

Let’s not think that all vision-impaired accidents are to be blamed on the elderly, either. Actually, a recent study strongly suggests that people with glaucoma have a tendency to be in twice as many accidents as those without it. Glaucoma is not a condition reserved for only the elderly; in fact, it is typically diagnosed for the first time to those in their 40s or 50s.

Glaucoma is a specific danger to driving-related vision issues, as it hinder a driver’s peripheral vision. This is a topic of concern because most current vision tests that are taken in order to renew a driver’s license only test central vision...not side to side (peripheral).

Please note that your local Manhattan eye doctor is not the only source for making certain your vision is good enough to renew your license. If you are older, check with your local government to see if your state has programs through the Department of Highway Safety to assist you with preparing for license renewal. Organizations such as AAA and AARP also offer driving programs for seniors.

Contact your local Manhattan optometrist today and let them help you make sure you’re not only visually fit to be behind the wheel, but that you can also ace the vision tests that are waiting for you when it’s time to renew.