Elderly drivers at risk of £1,000 fine due to common eye condition

DVLA rules and driving laws coming in 2022

Thousands of UK drivers could be at risk of breaking driving laws and being slapped with a brutal £1,000 fine for having a common eye condition.

It is believed around 40 percent of the adult population suffer from astigmatism which can cause blurry or distorted vision.

This is when either the eye’s cornea or the lens behind the cornea is not as rounded as it should be.

The issue can affect sensitivity to glare which could be a major risk for road users at night. The simple problem may also affect motorists’ ability to see road signs and other vehicles in a major safety risk.

Astigmatism’s can effect people at any age but can have a major impact later in life. According to Optometrists.org, the risk significantly increases in the elderly with over 67 percent of over 65-year-olds affected.

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Tim Alcock, spokesperson for LeaseCar.UK warned bad vision could come back to bite motorists with financial penalties a real concern.

He said: “It is very dangerous to drive with any condition which impairs vision as it puts the motorist and other road users at risk.

“The condition is particularly dangerous for drivers as the days get darker because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights which affects being able to see the roads and potential obstacles.

“It is also important that the DVLA is made aware of any condition that affects the ability to drive safely because if a motorist is involved in an accident and it is found that the condition was a contributing factor, they could be prosecuted and their insurance invalidated.”

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If poor visibility is found to be the cause of an accident, any driver who kept the problem quiet may be fined £1,000 and issued three penalty points on their licence.

The NHS says astigmatism can be corrected by weaning the right glasses or contact lenses.

Laser eye surgery can also help but this is not available on the NHS and comes with the risk of complications.

Mr Alcock has urged any road users struggling with their vision should get their eyes checked as soon as possible.

He added: “It is extremely important that any motorists who think that they could have an eye condition get to the opticians and seek treatment.

“Common symptoms of astigmatism include trouble seeing at night, blurry, hazy and double vision, as well as needing to squint to see clearly.

“With an estimated 40 percent of the adult population suffering from the condition, anyone with the symptoms should avoid driving until they have been checked out.”

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