Do older drivers with bilateral cataract self-regulate their driving while waiting for first eye cataract surgery?

Abstract

ObjectivesTo analyze the association between visual impairment and driver self-regulation among a cohort of older drivers waiting for first eye cataract surgery.MethodsNinety-six drivers with bilateral cataract aged 55+ years were assessed before first eye cataract surgery. Data collection consisted of a researcher-administered questionnaire, objective visual measures (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis), a visual attention test (the useful field of view test) and a cognitive test (the Mini-Mental State Examination). Driver self-regulation practices were collected using the Driving Habits Questionnaire and were also measured with an in-vehicle monitoring device. Characteristics of self-regulators and non-self-regulators were compared and a logistic regression model was used to examine the association between 3 objective visual measures and driver self-regulation status.ResultsAfter controlling for potential confounding factors, only binocular contrast sensitivity (p=0.01), age (p=0.03) and gender (p=0.03) were significantly associated with driver self-regulation status. The odds of participants with better contrast sensitivity scores (better vision) self-regulating their driving in at least 1 driving situation decreased (odds ratio [OR]: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00–0.28) while those of increasing age reported an increased odds of self-regulating their driving (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15). The odds of males self-regulating their driving was decreased compared with females (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.86).ConclusionsWorse binocular contrast sensitivity scores, increasing age and being female were significantly associated with driver self-regulation. The study highlighted that while self-regulation was common among cataract patients, a proportion of those with poor vision did not self-regulate. Further research should determine how cataract patients could benefit from self-regulation strategies while waiting for cataract surgery.

Chronic medical conditions and their association with crash risk and changes in driving habits: a prospective study of the GAZEL cohort

“…Angina, myocardial infarction or coronary disease were associated with the avoidance of driving in heavy traffic, a potentially stressful situation. Consistently with our results, associations with driving self-regulation have been already reported for cataract26 27 and glaucoma 28. People suffering from nephritic colic and urinary stones reported to avoid driving at night, a time when the symptoms of kidney stone emergencies typically begin 29.…”

Factors determining speed management during distracted driving (WhatsApp messaging)

“…Women may have less self-confidence regarding their abilities or greater awareness of their limitations, so they perceive risk differently. For example, a study that analysed driving self-regulation in visually impaired older drivers discovered women self-regulated their driving to a greater extent than men 47 . However, despite demonstrating greater caution, the study conducted by Li et al, (2019) 48 reported that female driving performance during distracted tasks involved more collision risk.…”

Impact of first and second eye cataract surgery on physical activity: a prospective study

“…For the CEDAR Study, a total of 111 participants were recruited consecutively from three public hospitals in Western Australia (WA) and completed the first assessment. Previous papers have been published from this study based on the naturalistic driving data collected17–19; a falls diary component20 and further examinations of driving simulator performance are also planned. The current analysis of physical activity outcomes includes only 55 participants who completed the first, second and third assessments.…”