Vision problems spell trouble for safe driving. Driving involves several visual capabilities, such as night vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to switch focus at any given moment. If even one of these visual capabilities is compromised, you should start looking at laser eye surgery in Orange County as a viable option.
Driving Requires Complex Visual Skills
Research suggests that when it comes to middle-aged drivers, one in five take the road with imperfect sight. This makes sense, as age-related vision problems typically manifest when you enter your 40s. A lot of drivers don’t think much about the wide range of skills necessary to drive properly. Here are seven vision-related skills you need to navigate roads well.
- Night Vision
You should be able to see properly in low light levels, as well as recover quickly from headlight glare.
- Colour Vision
You should be able to distinguish various colors, which is critical for processing traffic lights, pedestrians, traffic signs, and other visual cues.
- Muscle Balance
When driving, you should be able to point your eyes at any given object while driving easily. This capability is essential for the field of vision, two-eyed vision, and depth perception.
- Accommodation
This is the ability to look quickly and easily from a near object to a far object and vice versa, such as looking at the dashboard to the road, then back again.
- Field of Vision
Your eyes should always be on the road, but you need to be able to look out of the corner of your eyes without moving your head. This allows you to take in pedestrians and crossroad traffic without taking your eyes off the road.
- Depth Perception
Perhaps one of the most common problems among drivers, depth perception is the capability to judge distances accurately between moving objects. This is vital for driving skills like changing lanes.
- Distance Acuity
This is the ability to see clearly and focus even at far distances. Distance acuity is crucial when it comes to making quick driving reactions.
Today’s roads are busier than ever, so a defect in even one of these visual skills can make it hard to drive safely. Keep in mind that almost 90% of decision you make on the road are based on information you get through your eyes. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of alternatives to choose from when it comes to vision correction.
Eyeglasses and Contacts May Not Be the Safest Option
One of the easiest ways to correct your eyesight is by wearing glasses or contacts. You run the risk of getting too much glare. They can also hinder your ability to distinguish road hazards, pedestrians, and vehicles while you’re driving.
In addition, vision problems may also stem from eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts. In such cases, you may also have to undergo cataract surgery in Orange County to ensure that your sight works well enough for the road.
For many drivers, corrective eye surgery offers the best chances of regaining excellent vision with minimal disruption to your driving routine. Visit the Excel Laser Vision Institute and talk to our expert Lasik surgeon in Orange County to determine if laser eye surgery is right for you.
