Elderly drivers and simulated visual impairment.

BACKGROUND

The effect of simulated visual impairment on the driving performance of elderly subjects and the relation between changes in driving performance and vision were investigated.

METHODS

Vision was impaired by goggles simulating the effects of cataracts, binocular visual field restriction, and monocularity. Driving was assessed on a road circuit free of other vehicles. Visual performance was measured using the Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA), the Useful Field of View (UFOV), and the Pelli-Robson chart.

RESULTS

The simulated visual impairment significantly decreased driving performance, even though all drivers satisfied the legal visual requirements for driving. Significant correlations between driving performance and the UFOV and Pelli-Robson chart were found.