What About Conditions Like Cataracts, Glaucoma, or Macular Degeneration?

These are conditions that understandably worry senior drivers. Let’s address each one briefly.

Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye and cause blurred or hazy vision, glare sensitivity, and difficulty driving at night. They’re extremely common in people over 65. The good news: cataract surgery has a very high success rate, and most patients see dramatic vision improvement afterward.

Many seniors who thought they’d have to stop driving found that a straightforward outpatient procedure gave them back crisp, clear vision.

Glaucoma affects peripheral vision and can narrow your visual field over time. Because it develops slowly, many people don’t notice it until significant damage has occurred. If you have glaucoma that is well-managed and your visual field still meets your state’s driving standard, you can continue to drive.

If your peripheral vision has narrowed below the required threshold, a restricted license or additional testing may be required.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects central vision — your ability to see detail directly in front of you. This one is more complicated from a driving standpoint because central vision is critical for reading signs, traffic lights, and identifying hazards ahead.

Depending on the severity, some states may issue restricted licenses, while in advanced cases, driving may no longer be safe. An ophthalmologist who specializes in retinal conditions can assess your specific situation and advise on what options are available.

In all of these cases, the key is to work with a specialist — not to guess, not to assume the worst, and not to avoid the conversation.