The Impact of Cataract Surgery on Driving – 200-word version Maintaining the ability to drive has a profound impact on a persons independence, quality of life, mood, social participation, and even access to health care. Elderly drivers with cataracts are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. This risk increases well before the development of a visually significant cataract, and is related to factors such as contrast sensitivity and disability glare. Research shows that drivers with a history of crash involvement were eight times more likely to have a serious contrast sensitivity deficit in the worse eye than those who were crash free. Routine cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants (IOL) insertion directly affects the safety of older drivers, because it improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and reduces stray light. Studies show that cataract surgery reduces the rate of motor vehicle crash involvement by half and improves driving performance. Several researchers suggest that earlier cataract surgery would improve public safety and save money. Currently, Medicare and private insurers require that cataracts be visually significant prior to covering cataract surgery. Evidence suggests that earlier extraction and replacement with an IOL could improve driving safety and enable patients to maintain their driving privileges.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:55:32 +0000
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