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Advice for Seniors Driving with Diabetes and Cataracts

If you are a senior and find that street signs are blurry, colors look faded, or you are having a harder time seeing while driving in general, it may be time to have your eyes checked. Eyesight worsens as we age and sometimes senior drivers also have to contend with physical problems, such as diabetes and cataracts, which may affect vision.

At Acme Body Shop, we encounter senior drivers all the time at our collision repair facility in Great Falls, MT. That's why we periodically share useful information about senior drivers and senior driving safety on our blog. Any health-related problem that impacts your driving can ultimately lead to a car crash. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to give up getting behind the wheel; however, it’s important to take certain precautions.

Diabetes

Diabetes affects blood sugar levels and may cause drivers to feel sleepy, dizzy or generally confused. In some cases, drivers may lose consciousness while driving or even have a seizure.

Before heading out on the road in Great Falls, here are some recommendations:

1. Take the time to get a medical evaluation.
2. Test your blood glucose levels before driving.
3. Carry a blood glucose meter with you while you drive.
4. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, don’t begin a long journey.
5. Stop driving immediately if you experiment any of the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Cataracts

Cataracts is a disease that clouds the eye lens. This can make it harder to see the road, street signs and people walking around. Cataracts differs from person to person so it’s important to regularly visit your eye professional.

Here is some advice on how to best prepare:

1. Check your prescription. Even a small change can make a huge difference.
2. Plan to take car trips when your vision is least affected. This means avoiding driving at dusk and during rainy days, when possible.
3. Cut back on your driving as your cataracts worsens. Consider a different form of transportation such as riding with friends or family members, or taking a taxi, bus or subway.
4. Consider cataracts surgery if your symptoms get worse.
5. Some eye care providers offer specialized training to improve your driving skills.

The majority of seniors who have diabetes or cataracts can still safely operate a vehicle. By following a few precautions, you will most likely avoid situations that may interfere with driving and keep everyone safer on the road.

Sources: WebMD, Dr. Oz and Forbes