A Failed Driver's License Vision Test Helped Sight

Jack leaned forward and his eyes got wider. What I remember most was how blue they were. Jack was 80 years old and an active golfer and swimmer. He had fought for six years in World War II, married his high-school sweetheart, raised five kids - and still was nearly sharp enough to qualify for the TV show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?".

Jack was getting his eyes examined this day because he failed his driver's license vision test.

He leaned closer for the answer. I had to tell him his central driving vision was cloudy of macular degeneration. I explained that macular degeneration is the deterioration of the central part of the retina, the "macula" in the eye. The retina is like film in the camera that lets you have vision. The macula is where the central vision is focused. I explained that macular degeneration is like using 80-year-old film in the same camera.

Jack's reading, driving and watching TV vision was affected. His independence was threatened.

He sat back and asked, "Was if from too much reading?"

I answered, no; the eyes do not degenerate from reading, driving or watching TV.

His next question was, "Why me, then?"

I told him that macular degeneration increases with age, is more frequent in patients with blue eyes, and increases with sun (ultraviolet light) exposure. We do not know the exact cause, but it is like "hardening of the arteries" in the exact central vision.

Jack asked the big question next: "Will I go blind?"

I was able to tell him that the vision damage is usually localized to the central vision, and that people do not go blind. The side vision remains normal around the central blurriness. In fact, most people will keep their reading and driving vision with precautions, medical exams and treatment.

Jack was lucky.

Special photographs identified the damage, and special laser treatment stopped it-prevented further damage-and helped restore his vision to qualify for driving again.

To prevent further damage, I recommended antioxidant vitamins and ultraviolet protection sunglasses for Jack and his blue-eyed children.

I will always remember those piercing blue eyes and be grateful that Jack got his eyes examined and treated in time.

Author: Mark A. Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The information contained herein is intended to be educational and is not intended in any way as a substitute for medical advice and care from qualified vision care providers. Consult a vision care professional in matters relating to visual health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.