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Blind Spot

The day a person gets a driver's license, he or she is granted access to the freedom of the open road. For many, the sense of adventure and independence that comes with driving a car never fades, but as a person ages, the freedom to drive a car may slowly slip from their grasp.

According to AAA, by the year 2020 nearly 37 million Americans will be 65 or older and at least 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. Many seniors maintain good driving skills as they age, but for others, deteriorating eyesight can make them a danger to themselves and others when they get behind the wheel.

Amy Parmenter, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA, says a person's driving skills, such as vision, reaction time, and flexibility, can slowly deteriorate with time.

"No doubt seniors face unique challenges in terms of safety and mobility," she says. "Acknowledging these challenges and addressing them will help seniors to improve their driving skills and reduce risks."

AAA recommends seniors not rely on the eye test given by the Department of Motor Vehicles during license renewal, as it has been proven vision can begin to deteriorate after age 40. Parmenter says it is important to monitor a senior's eyesight and remember that driving can be a touchy subject for many aging individuals.

"AAA research finds that seniors who give up their keys are twice as likely to suffer from depression, so having conversations around this sensitive issue is important," she says.

To prevent deterioration and help seniors maintain their freedom to drive, doctors agree there are many things seniors can be doing to help preserve their eyesight.

Dr. Maria Diaz, OD, of Madison Eye Care says the single most important thing anyone can do to preserve eyesight is have annual comprehensive eye exams.

"Making an active decision to take care of your eyes is the number one thing you can do," she says. "Most people don't realize that the eye can be a window to so many systemic conditions."

Diaz says it is important to monitor your own eye health and visit the eye doctor if you notice any changes.

"Any changes in vision are symptoms that warrant an eye exam or a follow-up," she says. "If you are noticing sudden decreased vision or blurry vision, that is the number one thing."

Maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is also key to preventing eye issues.

"Eat healthy, vibrant foods," she says. "All of those colorful fruits and vegetables—that is where antioxidants live."

Pamela Noce, practice administrator and licensed optician with TotalVision Eyecare Center, agreed maintaining your general health will help keep your eyes healthy too.

"Seniors should protect their eyes from sunlight with sunglasses that block UV light, and wear hats outside," she says. "Maintain a healthy weight, because diabetes affects eyesight, and no smoking, which will lessen the chances of age related macular degeneration."

Even if a senior works to stay healthy, he or she should take certain precautions to continue to drive regularly, according to Diaz.

"I think our reflexes are certainly more in tune when we are doing a habit over and over again but it is not going to protect your eyes from changing or protect your eyes from worsening," she says. "Your vision can change any time, any day."

Driving at night can also present certain challenges to aging drivers. A driver who's 60 requires 10 times as much light to see as one who's just 19, a fact Noce says seniors need to adjust to.

"Reduce your speed when driving at night," she says. "As we get older, our pupils get smaller and don't dilate as quickly in the dark. This loss of light transmittance can affect the reaction time of older drivers at night."

No matter how perfect a senior may think his or her vision is, Parmenter says it is important to monitor your driving skills as you age. AAA offers a variety of programs for senior drivers including a driver improvement course, a mature driver assessment, and even takes advantage of new technology to keep seniors safe behind the wheel.

"AAA provides information for what car features, especially in newer cars, may help senior drivers to overcome limitations," she says.

The main message here for seniors? If you want to keep your keys, make sure you take care of your eyes.

AARP Safe Drivers Schedule

North Haven Senior Center

189 Pool Road, 203-239-5432

Thursdays, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

and May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

North Haven Adult Education

221 Elm Street, 203-239-1641

Tuesdays, April 26 from 5 to 9 p.m.

and May 24 from 5 to 9 p.m.

North Branford Parks and Recreation

1332 Middletown Avenue, 203-484-8017

Wednesday, May 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.