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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
07:11
Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
Published on: May 25, 2020
Evaluating clinical change and visual function concerns in drivers and nondrivers with glaucoma.
Nancy K Janz1, David C Musch, Brenda W Gillespie
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2029, USA. nkjanz@umich.edu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|December 9, 2008
Summary
Glaucoma patients who drive often face challenges with glare and peripheral vision. Physicians should discuss these specific visual difficulties to help patients make informed driving decisions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Driving is a crucial activity for maintaining independence and quality of life.
- Understanding the impact of glaucoma on driving ability is essential for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the characteristics of drivers versus nondrivers with glaucoma.
- To identify specific visual challenges faced by individuals with glaucoma who continue to drive.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 607 newly diagnosed glaucoma patients from the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study were analyzed.
- Driving status was determined, and visual function was assessed using validated questionnaires.
- Clinical data included visual field mean deviation (MD) and visual acuity.
Main Results:
- Drivers were more likely to be male, white, married, employed, educated, and have higher incomes and fewer comorbidities.
- Over 50% of drivers reported difficulties with glare, and 22% with peripheral vision tasks.
- Drivers with moderate/severe visual field loss (VFL) reported increased difficulties with night driving, visual search, and processing speed.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should specifically inquire about difficulties related to glare, visual processing speed, visual search, and peripheral vision in glaucoma patients.
- Targeted counseling regarding driving is recommended, particularly for patients with significant bilateral visual field damage.
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