People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have traditionally had to turn in their car keys as the condition got worse, but those who want to continue driving might have some options, reported Yahoo Voices on November 5.
According to the article, a woman, whose eyesight got worse and worse due to AMD, ultimately failed to pass the vision test needed to renew a driver’s license.
AMD, as it turns out, is an eye disease that generally affects people who are 50 years old and older. The condition can lead to decreased vision at the eye’s center, which can in turn make it difficult for people to see well enough to recognize the faces of even close family members, to read books or… to drive. The good news, according to the article, is that people with AMD generally retain a good enough portion of their peripheral vision to be able to handle every day chores. So they can still be somewhat independent.
As for the aforementioned woman who failed the vision test, her doctor was convinced that she actually could see sufficiently well enough to operate a motor vehicle… with certain conditions, of course.
According to the article, there was a three-pronged process used to get the woman’s driver’s license reinstated.
- Medical Excuse: The woman’s eye doctor gave her a medical excuse to present to the Department of Motor Vehicles that explained that she would be able to drive safely — but only during daylight hours.
- Road Test: The woman’s vision had deteriorated to a point where the Department of Motor Vehicles requested that she take a road test before qualifying for a driver’s license. After the unsuccessful test, the woman practiced her driving with another person sitting in the front passenger seat. The person accompanied her to ensure that the rules of the road were observed. The woman passed the subsequent road test with no difficulties.
- Driving Restrictions: The driver’s license had a number of restrictions attached. The woman, for instance, would not be permitted to drive on the highway or during night hours. The woman did not mind the prohibitions since she would still be able to run her errands independently.
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Reference: http://voices.yahoo.com/can-senior-still-drive-macular-degeneration-11857074.html?cat=5