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People have been warned (Image: Getty)
The NHS has issued guidance for anyone noticing a change in their vision. It’s especially important to get checked promptly if you are “sensitive to bright lights”, as this could mean you may not be able to drive.
Guidance from the NHS is urging individuals to seek evaluation if they notice any changes in their vision, particularly if they experience sensitivity to bright lights. Such symptoms could indicate issues that might affect one’s ability to drive safely.
Focusing on Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the NHS describes it as a prevalent condition that primarily impacts the central portion of one’s vision.
Although AMD does not result in total blindness, it can significantly hinder daily tasks such as reading or recognizing familiar faces. If left unaddressed, the condition can lead to further deterioration of vision.
The exact origins of AMD remain unclear, but several contributing factors have been identified. These include advancing age, smoking habits, high blood pressure, and excess weight. Additionally, a family history of AMD may elevate an individual’s risk.
Read more: DVLA warning as UK drivers and learners could face a £1,000 fine
What are the signs and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?
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- a blurry or distorted area in your vision
- straight lines looking wavy
- things looking smaller than they should
- colours not looking as bright as they used to
- being sensitive to bright lights
- adapting from dark to light conditions being difficult
- hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
- seeing flickering or flashing lights
While AMD is not painful and does not affect the appearance of your eyes, it is still essential to look out for these signs.
Medical help
If you’re concerned about your vision, you should see an optician. The NHS advises that if you have a problem with your eyes, early diagnosis and treatment may help stop your vision getting worse.
You should arrange an urgent optician appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- your vision gets suddenly worse
- you have a dark “curtain” or shadow moving across your vision
- your eye is red and painful
These symptoms can be signs of other eye problems that need to be treated straight away. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Driving warning
Age UK notes that an optician can sometimes detect AMD before symptoms appear, which is why regular eye tests are important. If you’re over 60, you’re eligible for a free eye test every two years.
However, the charity warns that “AMD can mean it’s no longer safe for you to drive.”
Drivers should also be aware that they “could be fined up to £1,000 if they do not tell DVLA about a condition that might affect their ability to drive safely. You could also be prosecuted if you have an accident.”
The rules say that you must inform the DVLA if you hold a driving licence and you develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability, or a condition or disability has worsened since you received your licence.
Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. They can include:
- diabetes or taking insulin
- syncope (fainting)
- heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
- sleep apnoea
- epilepsy
- strokes
- glaucoma
Additionally, failure to declare an eye condition affecting your driving could result in prosecution. You must also tell DVLA if any of the following apply:
- your eye condition affects both eyes
- your eye condition affects one eye – but you only have vision in that eye
- you have retinitis pigmentosa that affects one or both eyes
- a GP, optician or eye specialist has said you should not drive
- you do not meet the visual standards for driving
If you have any eye issues, you should report them to the DVLA online as soon as possible. You can do so here.
