Driving is a daily necessity for many, providing a sense of freedom and independence. However, for those living with keratoconus, a progressive eye condition that causes vision distortion and blurriness, it can present a unique set of challenges. Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, understands the concerns and difficulties faced by patients with keratoconus, especially when it comes to driving. His goal is to not only address these concerns but also provide practical advice for staying safe on the road.
Understanding Keratoconus
Keratoconus occurs when the cornea, or clear front surface of the eye, thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. This distortion can significantly affect how light enters the eye, leading to distorted and blurred vision, which can make tasks like driving particularly challenging, especially at night.
Tips for Safe Driving with Keratoconus
Regular Eye Check-ups
Regular visits to your eye doctor are crucial. These check-ups allow for the monitoring of the progression of keratoconus and the adjustment of corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses, to assess if your vision meets the legal standards for driving.
Use Corrective Inserts
Most individuals with keratoconus can benefit from specially designed inserts like Intacs® that help to improve vision by reshaping the cornea or creating a smoother, flatter surface in front of the cornea.
Avoid Night Driving
Keratoconus can cause halos and glare around lights, which is exacerbated at night. If possible, limit driving to daylight hours if you feel unsafe driving at night. If so and if you must drive at night, proceed with extra caution.
Use Anti-glare Driving Glasses
Invest in a pair of anti-glare driving glasses. These can significantly reduce the glare from oncoming headlights, traffic lights, and streetlights, making it easier to navigate the roads.
Plan Your Routes
Before heading out, plan your route. Familiar roads are easier to navigate, and avoiding highways or busy streets during peak hours can reduce stress and risk.
Regular Breaks
Take regular breaks during long drives to prevent eye strain. Even short stops can help refresh and refocus your vision.
How We Can Help
The above tips are useful for dealing with vision that has already been affected by keratoconus, especially when vision is more severely compromised. However, treatment is urgently needed to stop the progression of keratoconus before your eyesight becomes too distorted for you to drive. Fortunately, Dr. Brian specializes in keratoconus treatment. His proprietary Holcomb C3-R® cross-linking procedures is a non-invasive way to slow or stop keratoconus in its tracks. Intacs, CK, and Visian ICL can also help dramatically improve your vision.
If you’re struggling with keratoconus and its impact on your driving, we’re here to help. Booking an appointment with us puts you on the path not only to better vision but also to reclaiming your confidence on the road. Together, we can navigate the challenges of keratoconus, ensuring that you stay safe behind the wheel. Call 1-310-860-1900 , text 424-245-0171 or email info@boxerwachler.com for an appointment at Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills.
