If you’ve been a driver for any period of time, chances are, you’ve been the victim of the loud blast of someone’s horn.  Sometimes they’re wrong of course and don’t know what they’re doing. After all, the sign says “no turn on red”. Hello! But we can all agree that they’re not always wrong. The truth is that millions of Americans admit to having vision problems. Additionally, as you age, your risk for vision conditions, such as cataracts increases. It’s a challenge to have this condition but driving when you have cataracts can be dangerous.

Some symptoms of cataracts, all of which have a negative effect on your driving are:

• Seeing double images in one eye
• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Glare from headlights makes night driving difficult
• Sunlight appears extra bright
• It’s hard to see clearly at night, dawn and dusk

Steps to take if you suspect you have cataracts:

Visit an optometrist.

Your first action if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms is to see an eye professional. This way, they can examine you, determine the problem and advise you what you can do to improve your vision.

Have regular eye exams.

Once you are comfortable with the optometrist you’ve selected, follow through on the recommendations he or she has made. Furthermore, be sure to keep having regular eye exams.This allows your eye professional to monitor your vision and make the appropriate recommendations to ensure that you are safe while driving.

Take some protective steps. 

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet sunlight by wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim. Adding foods to your diet that promote eye health can also help to reduce your risk of age-related cataracts.

Invest in a good vision program. 

Having a discount vision plan or vision insurance makes vision care affordable. And the more affordable it is, the more likely you are to see a vision professional on a regular basis without breaking the bank.  

Consider purchasing a car with good crash test results. 

For example, the Subaru EyeSight is an innovative development in crash prevention. The EyeSight safety feature gives the driver extra eyes on the road. The system allows the car to see (or sense) if it’s about to crash into a vehicle that’s in the way or that’s moving over into its path.

Being able to drive is an amazing privilege. It brings a sense of freedom and independence. After all, you can go where you want, when you want, without depending on anyone. To make sure that you have this freedom for years to come, you must keep your vision sharp. And how can you make sure your vision stays as sharp as possible? Find a great vision plan and continue to take care of your eyes. Keep getting your yearly eye exams and make sure your eyes are road-ready, even if you are driving with cataracts.