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Driving Skills Tested on Simulator After Strabismus Surgery: A Prospective Study
Dan Derhy1, Ségolène Lithfous2, Claude Speeg1
1Department of Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) - Université de Strasbourg, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
Translational Vision Science & Technology
|August 29, 2020
Summary
Strabismus surgery significantly improves driving simulator performance and visual field, enhancing motorist safety. While self-confidence decreased, functional driving abilities showed marked improvement post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
- Driving Simulation Technology
Background:
- Vision is critical for driving, with motorists relying on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) for 90% of information.
- Strabismus surgery aims to correct eye alignment, potentially improving binocular VA and VF, which could benefit driving capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional improvements in VA and VF after strabismus surgery.
- To assess the impact of strabismus surgery on driving ability using a driving simulator.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 20 patients analyzed parameters before and 3 months after strabismus surgery.
- Simulated driving performance, including eye movements and vehicle control actions, was assessed alongside binocular VA, binocular VF, and self-reported driving confidence.
Main Results:
- Postoperative Esterman visual field scores significantly improved (P=0.045).
- Driving simulator results showed increased distance for identifying road signs, higher average vehicle speed, and reduced ocular movements near targets.
- Self-confidence in driving significantly decreased post-surgery (P<0.001), despite functional improvements.
Conclusions:
- Strabismus surgery demonstrates potential benefits for driving ability.
- Significant improvements were observed in visual field and simulated driving performance, suggesting enhanced functional capabilities for motorists.

