[Driving behavior of patients before cataract operation--is an unlimited driver's license justifiable? Results of an analysis of 1,124 patients of the ophthalmology department of a central hospital].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the driving habits and patterns of those patients, who underwent cataract-surgery during a one year period at the Landesaugenklinik Salzburg and to compare the preoperative visual acuity with the legal requirements in effect in Austria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The best-corrected visual acuity prior to surgery and the individual driving customs were noted on a detailed questionnaire.

RESULTS

A minimum of 5.6% of the overall number of patients with cataract (not taking visual field defects into account) were driving a motor vehicle with a visual acuity not sufficient to meet current legal requirements. Considering only those drivers licence holders that admitted to still driving a motor vehicle it can be concluded that 26% have a legally unsatisfactory visual acuity. As between 28,000 and 31,000 cataract-operations are performed yearly in Austria, this study seems to clearly indicate that at least 1,600 of these persons--regardless of an additional visual field defect--are illegally driving a motor vehicle. It can be additionally concluded that the number of undetected cases is significantly higher.

CONCLUSIONS

It therefore seems appropriate to call for a mandatory eye exam by a qualified ophthalmologist of all persons holding a driving licence, possibly beginning at the age of 60. The license issued thereafter should be valid for an age-related period of time only.