GCA and blindness

[janno]

My husband is 84 and recently lost vision in his left eye due to GCA. One Ophthalmologist gave him tips on the challenges of driving with only partial sight, depth perception, peripheral vision, etc., where another Opthalmologist told him he could no longer drive. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has lost their vision and continued to drive, especially at an advanced age.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I was aged 65 when I lost sight in right eye.

Must admit I didn’t drive for a couple of months -whilst I got my head and brain around the issues..but never considered giving it up, I checked with optometrist, insurance company and the UK Authority responsible for issuing driving licences. All were happy for me to continue driving -and sight in other eye passes all necessary tests.

It does take time to adjust to driving with monocular sight -but it’s mainly a confidence thing for many. My husband and son gave me the thumbs up - and you know how picky they can be sometimes🤣😂.

I wrote this a few years ago - which might give both of you a better understanding -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[janno in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, Dorset Lady, we appreciate your reply. We are in the US so the rules may be different here and we will need to sort out the difference of opinions from the doctors regarding his driving. I read your informative post from several years ago and I am sorry to hear that you lost your husband. Thank you again. You were very helpful.

[jarn in reply to janno]

Just like Dorset lady, I lost Vision in one eye as well 3 years ago I live in Canada and I am 82 years of age and after my diagnosis, thermologist told me that we have no problems driving with monovision. It is up to the person to adjust. So I immediately hopped into my vehicle and started to feel the difference at the sorted out. It it is definitely an adjustment and you must figure out the depth perception etc. It just makes me a little more careful and cautious but I'm still confident in my driving skills. It definitely does depend on the individual. Good luck to your husband and have him just drive around the block a few times until he feels comfy.

[janno in reply to jarn]

Thank you for your good advice. Short rides and not in a lot of traffic will be the way to go for a while.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to janno]

You’re welcome.. and thank you,

[Ozziedays]

Hello, I lost sight in my R eye as a child and while I realise that it will be a whole different ball game of retraining the brain to adjust as an adult I learned to drive and passed my UK test with one eye. I was always careful to tell insurers just in case they might try to use it as a get out. At the age of 60 I moved to Australia for just over 4 years and declared it on my application to transfer my UK licence to a Queensland one ( reciprocal arrangements mean it’s a straight transfer, no need to take tests). I had to go through a bit of palaver with reports from my ophthalmologist and GP but it was all acceptable.

I’ve always been conscious that my visual field will be reduced and always turn round and double check for anything approaching from my right. The advent of cameras and other detection devices on new cars has probably helped although I don’t rely on them.

[janno in reply to Ozziedays]

Thank you for your reply. I agree, driving at night and in heavy rain could be very difficult. I have experienced it myself so I know it could prove challenging for my husband. I don't know if it is necessary to notify auto insurance company of vision loss. Was it ever mentioned to you? It is a concern of my husband.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to janno]

If you tell them - they can't hold it against you can they?

[janno in reply to PMRpro]

That is what I am not sure of and will have to pursue further.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to janno]

I did contact my insurance -they weren’t worried -no increased premium -just asked if I’d informed the DVLA ( UK authority responsible for drivers and vehicle licensing). I had!

[janno in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, I am hoping it works that way in the states and there will be no worries.

[GCAinCarolina]

I live in the U.S. and my opthamologist /neurologist that it was legal to drive after I lost vision in my right eye (of course you will still have to pass a test when renewal comes around). As others have mentioned, for me depth perception has been the main thing to get use to. I started by driving around low traffic areas and gaining confidence.You may have to turn your head from side to side more to be sure to keep your awareness sharp. Have to say that I still rarely drive at night and try to avoid driving in heavy rainstorms.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to GCAinCarolina]

I try to avoid night driving - unless it’s just short journeys - lights apt to dazzle… and agree about rain.. real pain - and gives me a headache concentrating..

So have become more of a ‘selective’ driver - but better that than giving up altogether.

[janno in reply to DorsetLady]

So true, it appears selective driving will be the norm.

[Rotsky in reply to janno]

Oh yes! Selective driving had been the case for the last few years. Have lost a lot of confidence so now safeguard my driving ability, it is my link to the world and freedom. My annual mileage is hardly harming the environment these days.

[janno in reply to GCAinCarolina]

Thank you for your reply. It would be hard for him to give up his driving independence. Your advice, as well as others has helped so much. He will more than likely rule out driving at night.

[LRevell]

I think it’s an individual choice and if they have enough vision to be safe. I lost peripheral vision in my left eye as well and have 20/20 in my right eye.

My car also had a beeping feature if somebody is next to me when making a left turn. Very helpful !

[janno in reply to LRevell]

Thank you, he does have the beeping feature in his car, which is very useful.