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[Perimetry findings and driving performance. "How much visual field" does a motorist need?]
U Schiefer1, R Hofer, P M Vischer
1Abteilung für Pathophysiologie des Sehens, Universitäts-Augenklinik Tübingen. ulrich.schiefer@uni-tuebingen.de
Objective:
On 01-01-99 the new driving licence regulations came into force. Are the visual field criteria mentioned there sufficient for an adequate evaluation of driving fitness?
Methods:
Typical (binocular) visual field defects were digitally superimposed onto photographs of traffic scenes to show the influence of such scotomata on visual perception.
Results:
Exemplary cases clearly show that evaluation of visual field borders alone is not sufficient for evaluating driving fitness. They also prove that binocular scotomata affecting the (para-)central region of the visual field are of special importance to driving performance. The actual guidelines given by the traffic commission of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) and the legally defined limits will be critically discussed.
Conclusion:
From the ophthalmological point of view the actual visual field criteria of the new driving licence regulations do not seem to be sufficient for the evaluation of driving fitness: An additional consideration of (para-)central scotoma is mandatory. This publication provides recommendations for execution and interpretation of perimetric examinations for traffic ophthalmological purposes.