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Your Eyes and the Road: Eye Health Can Have an Impact on Car Safety

The eyes may be the windows to the school, but they are also a crucial part of your driving experience. When you secure your driver’s license for the first time, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles will determine whether you need to wear corrective lenses and you may be required to pass a vision test or be able to prove that you have the vision necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely. In the future, as self-driving car technology becomes more prevalent, eyesight may not be as big a factor in driving safely. For now, though, good vision is essential for safe roads.

There are several ways you can ensure your eye health doesn’t negatively impact your risk of a car accident in Homestead or your community:

  • Get yearly checkups. Visiting your eye doctor yearly can ensure you get the right prescription contact lenses, glasses, or any other vision treatment you need. Yearly visual assessment is especially important as you age since everyone’s eyesight is affected by time. After 40, you will at least need reading glasses, even if you’ve never needed glasses, and yearly checkups can help detect any changes in your vision or any eye problems before they become an issue. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, yearly visits to check your eyesight can be a smart way to ensure you are driving around with perfect 20/20 vision.
  • Get to know your family’s history. If someone in your family has Age-Related Macular Degeneration or other eye conditions, you may be at risk of developing problems. Telling your eye doctor about your family history can help your doctor properly evaluate your eyesight or any changes which could affect driving safety.
  • Wear sunglasses. Even if you have perfect eye health, the glare from the sun can cause damage to your eyes over time. In addition, a glare can make it harder for you to see, even if you have perfect vision. Always wear sunglasses when driving during brightest part of the day.
  • Protect your eyes. If you play contact sports wear a helmet or protection to protect your eyes. If you work in a job that requires eye protection, make sure you wear it each time. If you wear contact lenses, always follow proper hygiene guidelines to prevent potentially-dangerous infections. Protecting your eyes can help reduce the risk of injuries that could affect your vision.

If you have been injured by a negligent driver or by a motorist who neglected their health until it became a danger, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free, no obligation case consultation. Our attorneys would be happy to review your case to find out whether you have a claim.

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