Refractive errors among commercial drivers

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the pattern of refractive error among commercial drivers in north India. Methods: Descriptive study with convenient sampling conducted among commercial drivers of north India. Results: A total of 213 (75.8%) heavy-vehicle and 68 (24.2%) light-vehicle drivers were screened for eye diseases. Refractive error for distance was reported in 44 (15.7%; 95% CI: 11.6–20.4) drivers. Hyperopia was reported in 23 (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.2–12) drivers, followed by myopia in 15 (5.3%; 95% CI: 3–8.6) drivers and astigmatism in six (2.1%; 95% CI: 0.7–4.5) drivers. Presbyopia was reported in 157 (55.8%) drivers. Dry eye was reported in 70 (24.9%), stereo deficiency in 77 (27.4%), and color vision deficiency in 11 (3.9%) drivers. Three drivers were diagnosed with cataract, and two were referred for retina evaluation. Conclusion: Hyperopia in both eyes was the most common refractive error. Dry eye disease and color vision deficiency were also reported. Most of the drivers were not using spectacles for refractive error correction. Due to their mobile nature, drivers with cataract and retina diseases did not turn up for follow-up.

Commentary: Burden of refractive errors among commercial drivers

“…This paper[ 2 ] also highlights the prevalence of distance refractive errors to be 15.7%, with hyperopia being the most common of all. This points out to the age-related changes in refraction and the impact on visual performance.…”

“…The study by Kumar et al . [ 2 ] that explored the burden of refractive errors among commercial drivers in northern India reports a whopping proportion of 55.8% uncorrected presbyopia in the study sample. [ 2 ] The authors in this paper have also tried to explore the proportions of refractive errors, color vision deficiency, dry eyes, and stereo-deficiency among 281 commercial drivers.…”

Refractive error among commercial drivers

“…The authors of the article titled “Refractive error among commercial drivers,”[ 1 ] Kumar et al ,[ 1 ] have put forth a number of interesting points. I would like to congratulate the authors on the same.…”

Should visual function tests be mandatory for a driving license?

“…found that 28.8% of commercial taxi drivers had an uncorrected refractive error with only 40.9% spectacle compliance. [ 14 ] The risk of RTA was twice as much in those with uncorrected refractive error as compared to the emmetropes. [ 14 ] Other studies have shown that drivers in India have significant visual morbidity with the attendant risk of RTA.…”

“…[ 14 ] The risk of RTA was twice as much in those with uncorrected refractive error as compared to the emmetropes. [ 14 ] Other studies have shown that drivers in India have significant visual morbidity with the attendant risk of RTA. [ 15 16 ]…”