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Keep your eyes on the road and your sight in check – Evening Standard

August 12th, 2017 6:42 pm

Opening our eyes each morning and seeing the shapes and colours around us is something we often take for granted. We neglect to appreciate good eyesight until those shapes and colours start to get blurry. Even then we tend to ignore the signs which can lead to much bigger problems, especially if were behind the wheel.

In fact, studies show that up to one in five middle-aged drivers are taking to the road knowing their eyesight is not as good as it should be.So, how do you know if youre one of them?

According to British law, you must be able to read the new-style number plate on a car from a distance of 20 metres. This can be done with glasses or contact lenses youre prescribed.

If you cant, youre not only endangering your own life and the lives of others on the road, youre also breaking the law. Driving with untreated vision is an offence and can cost you a fine of up to 1,000, plus penalty points and possible disqualification.

Even if you do pass the number plate test, loss of vision in one eye, loss of peripheral vision and double vision can severely affect your ability to drive. They can cause difficulty in reading road signs, maintaining lane position and driving at night.

To minimise dangers, the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Specsavers suggest everyone should have an eye examination at least once every two years.

As some eye disorders dont show symptoms in the early stages, initial diagnosis is the key to good eye health.

And thats not only to keep you safe on the roads, but also to detect any underlying eye condition such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness across the world. But its more easily managed the earlier it is detected.

In addition, eye tests can also pick up on more serious medical problems including diabetes and high blood pressure, which with early diagnosis can be treated.

Developing an eye condition can occur at any age. However, some groups of people may be at a higher risk, depending on age (those over 60) or family history.

If you notice any changes in your eyesight, dont ignore the signs and have it checked out by an optician. Visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health to book an appointment today

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Keep your eyes on the road and your sight in check - Evening Standard

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