Glaucoma and Driving

Since driving is a complex skill, our ability to drive safely can be challenged by changes in our physical, emotional, and mental condition. Glaucoma can cause partial to full vision loss, which can make glaucoma and driving a bad combination. If glaucoma is detected early, and you do not have significant visual field loss, you may be able to keep driving. However, in order to maintain safe and confident driving, you should consult an eye care professional for further assessment.

Treatments for Glaucoma

An Overview of Glaucoma and Driving

For most people, driving represents freedom, control, and competence. Driving enables most people to get to the places they want to go, and to see the people they want to see whenever they want.

Driving is a complex skill. Our ability to drive safely can be challenged by changes in our physical, emotional, and mental condition.

Glaucoma and Its Impact

Glaucoma can cause partial vision loss or total blindness. Glaucoma usually affects your peripheral vision -- the part of your eyesight that lets you see things "out of the corner of your eye." Because glaucoma often affects your peripheral vision, individuals may not be aware of their vision loss until its advanced stages, when substantial changes in vision have occurred.

If you have glaucoma and you drive, you may not see other cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians that are outside of your central field of view.

Can People With Glaucoma Still Drive?

People often wonder if they can drive with glaucoma. The answer is most likely yes, if your glaucoma is found early, and if you do not have significant visual field loss.

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