Glaucoma May Increase Likelihood of Car Accidents
“There may be a segment of the glaucoma population, but certainly not all, that has an elevated MVC (motor vehicle crash) rate because of their disease.” This according to Cynthia Owsley, PhD, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Opthamology. Dr. Owsley reporting the findings of a recently released study on the increased chance of glaucoma sufferers to be involved in an auto accident.
In addition to stating that patients with moderate to severe glaucoma are more at risk for accidents, the study also states they are more likely to incur accident-related injuries than drivers with healthy vision.
The researchers didn’t only compile research from the Department of Motor Vehicle’s crash data, but actually analyzed the on-road driving performance of patients by conducting driving exams.
Recruiting participants for the study was difficult, according to the researchers, not only because the standards were very particular—they were required to be at least 55, have visual acuity of 20/70 in at least one eye, be a licensed driver, and not have undergone any procedures that could affect their driving—but because many potential participants were concerned they could lose their license if their driving was subpar during research examinations. As such, of 86 people who were eligible, 64 of them declined to participate.
The findings showed that these patients, with moderate to advanced glaucoma, are 6.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident, and in those accidents are at a 3.6 times greater risk of being hurt.
What this means for glaucoma patients and anyone concerned with road safety and the prevention of auto accidents isn’t yet clear. According to Medscape Medical News, Dr. Owsley acknowledges that it may be time to start “a dialogue about whether it’s safe for them to drive.”
Such research often has no impact on public policy, but could come into play should a glaucoma patient get involved in an auto accident where someone is hurt. If you are injured in an auto accident and it comes to light that the other driver has impaired vision, whether from glaucoma or another medical issue, it could play a major role in determining who was at fault for the accident and therefore responsible for damages.
When an automobile accident occurs, the crash itself is just the beginning of what could be a long and complex process. Having someone on your side to advocate for your best interests is crucial.
At Omrani & Taub, P.C., we have successfully represented numerous clients in their serious car accident claims, helping them to get compensation for their medical bills, ongoing treatment, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been hurt in a serious car accident, contact us today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.
