TED and DVLA

[Jules99929]

Hi Guys

Hope everyone is keeping safe and well. I have a quick question, if you have TED did you notify the DVLA and what did they say? I read online we are obliged to do so, so I was going to do this but worried they will tell me I can’t drive. I need to drive to get to work. Also, should I inform my insurance company ?

Many thanks

Julia

[bantam12]

My sister had to stop driving while she had TED, if you have double vision you must notify DVLA or face a hefty fine.

[Jules99929 in reply to bantam12]

Thanks for your reply.

[asiatic]

I have TED which causes double vision and was told by my opthalmologist I had to inform DVLA which I did. They sent me a questionnaire. I had to fill in I had double vision but the next question allowed me to fill in it was controlled by a prism in my glasses. I heard back very quickly that I was allowed to keep on driving.

However because my eyes were so light sensitive and my prism needed changing so often I did not feel confident to drive safely and have not driven for 3 years now as although my eyes feel a lot better the double vision persists. At the moment because of coronavirus the DVLA are only dealing with issues pertaining to front line workers.

[Jules99929 in reply to asiatic]

Thanks for your reply. I have double vision but it is controlled by prism lenses. My main issue is light sensitivity but I wear sunglasses. Even when I’m working. Once things calm down with COVID19 I will follow up with DVLA.

[asiatic in reply to Jules99929]

It might be wise to send off a letter immediately. You probably won't get a reply for a while but if you were involved in an accident at least you have proof you were in compliance with the rules and not just ignoring them.

[Jules99929 in reply to asiatic]

Great advice. Thanks so much. Did you also notify your insurance company?

[asiatic in reply to Jules99929]

I didn't . I think you should read the small print- boring I know ! as it probably varies depending on which one you are with. I remember being a little confused about this. Perhaps someone else reading this can advise. It is a bit of a grey area as I believe that while your case is being considered by The DVLA medical dept. You can keep on driving which would perhaps suggest you don't need to inform your insurance. As I said a grey area !

[Jules99929 in reply to asiatic]

Thanks. Some reading for the Easter weekend me thinks 😀

[Buddy195 Administrator]

Hi Jules99929,

I’ve found phoning TEDct really useful for advice/ information. They have a useful info pack too.

I’m currently able to drive as my TED is deemed mild/ no double vision. However, I avoid night driving as I’m very sensitive to bright lights and wear reactive glasses or sunglasses in the day. My optician recommended yellow tints for night driving but I haven’t tried these yet.

For dry eyes I’ve been taking lutein & zeazanthin (eye complex 7 from Amazon), black seed oil & using Hycosan drops regularly.

Wishing you well,

[Jules99929 in reply to Buddy195]

Thanks for your advice and I will call to get some information. I have drops and ointments. Some days are better than others and my eyes definitely improve as the day goes on. They are bad in the mornings. Sunny days are so hard and I even bought a sun visor hat the other week 😁

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Jules99929]

Good morning Jules 99929

I currently wear a baseball cap & reactive glasses when outside, as I feel ‘blinded by the light’ (to quote Bruce Springsteen!) This morning I’ve used a warm flannel as my eyes feel gritty. My lids are also quite swollen at the minute. Warm weather? Increased stress? It’s hard to say!

Eyelid swelling fluctuates for me. My Endo prescribed furosemide - a diuretic- if they are very swollen. I take this occasionally. I teach and have had to get occupational health to assess my classroom lighting. Having a dimmer switch & better natural light have really helped.

Some days I’m more self conscious than others. I feel better wearing glasses than contacts (which I’ve worn for years) as I feel they hide some of the swelling. I have slight asymmetry, with one eye slightly larger than the other. Sometimes one eyebrow is more raised than the other.

I’m trying lots of things to reduce inflammation and have been GF for over a year. I’m also trying to reduce dairy. I take 100-200 selenium daily, as it’s hard to calculate how much is in a Brazil nut!

It’s good to be in contact with people who understand. Feel free to message me anytime!

Buddy195 😎

[Jules99929 in reply to Buddy195]

Thank you so much and yes it’s great to be in touch with others who suffer too. I have started taking selenium in a liquid form but not sure if it helping or not but going to continue as my ophthalmologist told me to. I work in IT so on a monitor all day and some mornings it’s unbearable. Have the curtains closed and sunglasses on! Currently working from home so I’m grateful I don’t have to drive. Definitely keep in touch.

Many thanks

[Jules99929]

Just a quick update on this. I saw the orthoptics consultant at the hospital who told me I need to report my condition to DVLA (TED and have slight double vision). So I completed a medical questionnaire by the DVLA and sent it off. I heard back yesterday and they said I can continue driving at the moment but if it changes I must stop. Just thought I would share this in case anyone else is going through the same thing.