Along with a fondness for an early night and forgetting where you put your keys, needing glasses is inevitable as we get older – and women are most affected by age-related eye issues, says consultant ophthalmic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes. One in four UK women are at risk of developing sight loss* – so spotting the early signs is key. Find out how to stay safe when driving, and the common conditions that can compromise your vision.
FIT FOR DRIVING
While feeling less than confident on the road isn’t uncommon, a decline in eyesight could be dangerous – an estimated 3,000 road casualties are caused by poor vision every year.
Current laws state motorists must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres in good daylight – yet the onus is still on the individual to report their vision status when renewing a licence.
‘Many drivers are unaware their vision has deteriorated over time,’ says research optometrist professor Julie-Anne Little, past chairman of the Association of Optometrists (AOP). ‘But poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times. It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1741272199/articles/NvcTWAoxR1741329391978/2172993999.jpg]
consequences.’
Safety first
AOP is campaigning for a change in the law, and say all drivers should have their vision checked when they first apply for a licence and when renewing a licence – every 10 years for most people and every three years for those over 70.
Test yourself by reading (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a number plate from 20 metres. An optometrist will also check if your vision is fit for driving during an eye test. Driving with eyesight below the required standard is illegal, meaning motor insurance is also invalid. While 20/20 vision might be wishful thinking beyond middle age, it’s vital to find the root of worsening sight.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1741272199/articles/NvcTWAoxR1741329391978/mSsib9Qio1741332986357.jpg]
HOW AGEING AFFECTS YOUR EYES
While 20/20 vision might be wishful thinking beyond middle age, it's vital to find the root of worsening sight.
Presbyopia
Struggle to read instruction manuals or labels? Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects due to the eye lens becoming less elast...
FIT FOR DRIVING
While feeling less than confident on the road isn’t uncommon, a decline in eyesight could be dangerous – an estimated 3,000 road casualties are caused by poor vision every year.
Current laws state motorists must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres in good daylight – yet the onus is still on the individual to report their vision status when renewing a licence.
‘Many drivers are unaware their vision has deteriorated over time,’ says research optometrist professor Julie-Anne Little, past chairman of the Association of Optometrists (AOP). ‘But poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times. It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1741272199/articles/NvcTWAoxR1741329391978/2172993999.jpg]
consequences.’
Safety first
AOP is campaigning for a change in the law, and say all drivers should have their vision checked when they first apply for a licence and when renewing a licence – every 10 years for most people and every three years for those over 70.
Test yourself by reading (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a number plate from 20 metres. An optometrist will also check if your vision is fit for driving during an eye test. Driving with eyesight below the required standard is illegal, meaning motor insurance is also invalid. While 20/20 vision might be wishful thinking beyond middle age, it’s vital to find the root of worsening sight.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1741272199/articles/NvcTWAoxR1741329391978/mSsib9Qio1741332986357.jpg]
HOW AGEING AFFECTS YOUR EYES
While 20/20 vision might be wishful thinking beyond middle age, it's vital to find the root of worsening sight.
Presbyopia
Struggle to read instruction manuals or labels? Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects due to the eye lens becoming less elast...
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Woman & Home Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025