by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: September 09, 2009

People with glaucoma suffer vision loss at such a low rate, it's possible to continue driving a vehicle long after a doctor has declared that person legally blind. Such was my case. Since 2000, my low peripheral fields put me in that category. I was unaware how bad my eyesight had become until my doctor clued me in.

With glaucoma, your vision tunnels. You might not see so well above or below or left to right. But in traffic, you have a lot of space to operate that vehicle. I'm a safe driver and I have learned to get around by following a few simple rules.

1. Never drive on busy, unfamiliar roadways. I had trouble finding destinations out of town and drove over a parking lot median once because I could not see and was in strange surroundings. I've limited my driving to roads I'm familiar with, close to my home. I also avoid congested parking areas. The busier it is, the more you need to steer away from there.

2. Limit night time driving when it's possible. Distance can be difficult to judge, even though road rules aid a driver with limited vision. Precipitation can make it especially treacherous. It's possible that other motorists will cut you off or crowd you when a lane narrows, so you want to stay calm and be prepared. If you drive at a normal rate of speed and leave as much distance between yourself and other drivers, you should be fine.

3. Look both ways. I do this more than once at each intersection, even while I'm pulling into traffic. Be prepared to hit the brakes. It's possible to overlook pedestrians or cyclists. Poor weather and other conditions that limit a driver's ability to see can make it difficult, so be patient.

4. Use extra caution in winter weather. While snow makes everything brighter, it can also deceive your depth perception. Again, you must give other drivers more space to give yourself enough time to respond. You do this because of difficulty breaking or staying in your lane with slippery road conditions. And be sure your windows are clear. Don't let frost and snow creep up on you and further limit your ability to clearly see.

5. Don't multi-task when you drive. Turn off the cellphone and don't eat while you operate your vehicle. Anything you do, even trying to look at someone you are talking to while driving, can lead to an accident. With limited vision, a driver must put the focus on the road first and foremost.

6. If someone else can drive, let them. I've allowed my wife to do all our driving when we are together. I will spell her

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