With one in five drivers experiencing a long-term vision problem, Nedlands optometrist, Damon Ezekiel, is calling on motorists to remember the important role of vision in safe driving.

“Most of us think to check our mirrors, tyres, oil and water before hitting the road, but forget that eyes need servicing too,” said Damon.

Critical decisions made by drivers are predominantly based on sight and good vision is essential to a driver’s ability to identify and react to hazards, make accurate judgements and concentrate on the roads.

According to Damon, our vision becomes even more important when driving at night, fatigued, on busy roads, in poor weather conditions and as we age.

“Regular eye examinations provide the best chance of staying safe on the roads and being able to keep driving longer as we get older,” Damon said.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Roads

  • Avoid eye strain

Using your eyes intently for hours causes eye strain and increased sensitivity to glare. Try moving your head around slowly while still looking straight ahead. This will allow you to change your eye posture without taking your eyes off the road, helping your eyes to relax.

  • Rest your eyes

Driver fatigue can affect reaction times, alertness and concentration. Set realistic travel goals and avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. The best way to overcome eye fatigue is to pull over, close your eyes and rest.

  • Plan your journey

Before driving long distances, make sure you are well rested. Allow plenty of time for regular rest stops to give your eyes a break.

  • Look after your eyes

Accumulated UV exposure can lead to eye disease and vision impairment. Wear sunglasses to reduce glare and squinting while driving and protect your eyes from sun damage. Also, maintain a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables and fish to help prevent eye disease.

  • Monitor your eye health

As we get older, our vision inevitably changes and this can start to affect our driving, including our ability to see clearly at night, objects in the distance and out the corners of our eyes. If you notice any changes in your vision, consult an optometrist immediately.

For further information please contact Ezekiel Eyes or Book an appointment today.

How Do I Get Started?
Call (08) 9386 3620 or book online