People with glaucoma report that they have difficulty with glare, night driving, and low contrast situations. Cataracts also occur in the same age group as glaucoma, and cataracts can also affect vision in similar ways.
Anyone with vision loss from glaucoma should consider opting out of driving in poor weather, at higher speeds, and at night when it's tough to make out what's ahead—and to the sides—of your vehicle. Keep eyeglass prescriptions up to date, follow your treatment routine, and talk to your doctor about driving.
When patients are diagnosed with glaucoma, they often wonder whether they'll still be able to drive safely. Most evidence suggests glaucoma impairs driving skills, and if patients decide to continue driving, it's absolutely necessary to check with a doctor before making any major decisions.
Blood flow to the optic nerve during sleep
Blood pressure generally decreases during sleep and stays low throughout the night. This long duration of relative hypotension has been linked to worsening of glaucoma.
You may notice problems with glare and see halos around lights at night if you have cataracts. Cataracts occur when the clear lenses inside your eyes become cloudy. Other eye diseases and conditions that may affect night driving include macular degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
Light sensitivity
These difficulties can be perfectly normal. In fact, everyone's pupils constrict when faced by bright lights, and different people's eyes adapt at different speeds. Tinted glasses are not the solution, in fact they should not be used at night.
stop driving if you are genuinely concerned, and wait until you have been seen by an eye care professional and had your visual fields checked.
High trans fats have been proven to cause damage to the optic nerve. Time to cut out fried foods, baked goods and any product with an ingredient list that includes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Saturated foods that include red meat, beef, lard, shortening and oils can also worsen glaucoma.
Any type of activity that positions your head lower than your heart for prolonged periods of time should be avoided, as it could lead to a spike in intraocular pressure. This includes inverted yoga positions (and headstands) or using inversion tables.
Glaucoma is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, but once it progresses you may experience blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue. You may also report seeing tunnel vision or halos around lights. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit our eye specialists immediately so we can provide prompt eye care.
No strong evidence suggests excessive use of digital technology is a glaucoma risk factor. However, prolonged computer, tablet, cell phone, and other digital device use can lead to eye strain.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is aware that significantly reduced vision can make work difficult. Anyone experiencing severe vision loss from glaucoma can qualify for disability benefits.
How Can Glaucoma Affect the Way I Drive? If glaucoma is untreated, you will slowly lose your peripheral (side) vision and will not be able to see things out of the corner of your eye. Your vision may be dull and blurry. You may not see the road, street signs, lane markers, and even people and bicyclists in the road.
Many people assume that 'using your eyes' can worsen your glaucoma. Reading, watching TV or using your phone or computer does not have any impact on your glaucoma.
Diets high in fruits such as have been shown to lower the risk of glaucoma development. The most discussed benefit is through antioxidants. As oxidative stress is associated with optic nerve injury, fruits high in antioxidants, such as pomegranate, acai berries, cranberries offer the most neuroprotection.
stages: stage 0 (normal visual field), stage I (early), stage II (moderate), stage III (advanced), stage IV (severe), and stage V (end-stage).
If undetected and untreated, glaucoma first causes peripheral vision loss and eventually can lead to blindness. By the time you notice vision loss from glaucoma, it's too late.
On an average, untreated Glaucoma takes around 10-15 years to advance from early damage to total blindness. With an IOP (Intraocular Pressure) of 21-25 mmHg it takes 15 yrs to progress, an IOP of 25-30 mmHg around seven years and pressure more than 30 mmHg takes three years.
Take Action to Prevent Vision Loss
If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops can stop glaucoma from progressing. Your eye care specialist will recommend how often to return for follow-up exams.