visual fields and driving

[Crafty-gran]

I had a visual field test done a year ago for the DVLA and was given a 3year medical licence.

Since then my peripheral vision has got worse with half of upper peripheral vision in my left eye gone .

my consultant asks me each time ;am I still driving ;

I have started to question myself should I be driving. Do I need to inform DVLA oh worsening peripheral vision loss

Any advice , has anybody else been in this situation

[Nonswimmer]

Good Morning, I understand glaucoma suffers may have an NHS sight test every 12 months I am sure your optician will advise if you are concerned about your ability to drive.

[Crafty-gran in reply to Nonswimmer]

Thank you

[Dumyat26 in reply to Nonswimmer]

I was diagnosed with G in both eyes more 15 years ago. Was on a 3 yr licence for some years but was then put on a 1 yr licence with no reason given although I assumed it was when I reached 75. Have now been put back on a 3 yr licence. You should ask when you do your DVLA tests for a copy of the test results. I have only recently started doing this and keep a file. From these I can see that any missed points are outwit the area required by DVLA. This is an envelope shape in the central vision field.

[Crafty-gran in reply to Dumyat26]

Thank you I will ask for a copy

[Jazzers]

Hi Crafty-gran, I'm sorry to hear you've been losing more sight and I while I haven't been in the exact position you are in, I completely understand the concern at the combination of sight loss and questioning from your consultant. With that in mind, I'll share my own personal views on this.

I have been doing the DVLA test now since 2018 and each year I've been given just a 1 year licence. As a result, I view myself as a borderline case, as that is what I understand to be the category of being given year to year licences. So my first point would be that as you have been given a 3 year licence, I'm guessing that you were passing the esterman test much more comfortably then me and therefore you may have more scope to lose some vision before getting to the stage when you are unable to pass the test. You should also bear in mind that even if you have lost a lot of vision in one eye (as I have), your other "good" eye (assuming it's better) can compensate quite significantly in the esterman test. I've no doubt that is what is happening in my case.

(As you may already know), the pass criteria is the combination of good central vision in the central 20 degree area of the test and an envelope of 120 degrees across the central line with a minimum of 50 degrees on one side. The exact criteria is listed on DVLA website.

My second point would be that I would expect your consultant to advise you on whether your deterioration is to such an extent that you should not drive or you should inform DVLA. As an example (and there may be other DVLA documents I'm unaware of) the DVLA information note INF188/6 - "can I drive while my application is with DVLA" says "..... to continue driving under section 88, you must meet all of following criteria: " and then goes on to say ".....if you have a medical condition and have been told not to drive , by a doctor or healthcare professional, you should not do so....." It then states that if a professional is unsure then they consult gov.uk/dvla/fitnessto drive. It's worth having a read at this but my interpretation is that - for glaucoma - it just points you to the criteria for passing the esterman test and of course, you'd probably need to actually do the test to assess that! (it also confirms the need for visual acuity test to be OK but in your case your concern seems to be your peripheral vision deterioration, so it can only really be confirmed via the test). For a consultant to ask you if your peripheral vision is inadequate to drive seems pretty unhelpful because how can you know? I have had an esterman test done several times using the hospital VF machine which seems very easy to do if required and may reassure you if you are very concerned.

Apologies for the lengthy response. Being on a one year licence, I get very concerned every time there is a deterioration identified in the hospital VF test as I don't know if it will mean I lose a few more critical "dots" to be missed. Fortunately for me - so far - each time I've taken the esterman test subsequently, I've registered a pass, hence my optimism that you will probably have far more scope for deterioration that might fear.

[Crafty-gran in reply to Jazzers]

Thank you for that

That’s really informative and reassuring

I’m seeing the consultant again next week so will ask to clarify

[Crafty-gran in reply to Jazzers]

have been advise to avoid night driving and adverse conditions ( not sure if that’s to do with glaucoma or cataract )

[Jazzers in reply to Crafty-gran]

At least that doesn't sound like a concern regarding loss of peripheral vision or a deterioration that could affect your success with DVLA test. I know that although I've never been formally advised against it, I try and avoid night driving as I feel that as my glaucoma has progressed I find the glare much more difficult to deal with. From many previous postings of others on this forum, I think it is quite common with a lot of glaucoma and cataract patients