Charity says you could have licence revoked over ‘common’ eye issue

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.

Talking about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the NHS states that this « is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. »

Although it does not cause complete blindness, AMD can make everyday activities such as reading and recognising faces challenging. If left untreated, your vision may deteriorate further.

The precise cause of AMD is unknown, but it has been linked to factors including ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight. A family history of AMD also increases your risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?

Symptoms may develop slowly over several years, and then worsen rapidly within a few weeks or months. You can get it in one eye or both.

1. a blurry or distorted area in your vision
2. straight lines looking wavy
3. things looking smaller than they should
4. colours not looking as bright as they used to
5. being sensitive to bright lights
6. adapting from dark to light conditions being difficult
7. hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
8. 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.