Assessment of visual functions in motorway drivers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual functions of motorway drivers who drive regularly on the motorway in Lahore in order to avoid road
accidents.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study has been done to assess the visual functions of motorway drivers using a proforma study design. Data of 70 drivers were taken using different charts and proforma. Visual acuity was recorded on the Snellen chart, colour vision by Ishihara chart, contrast sensitivity by Pelli Robson Chart, and visual field by Confrontation method. Glare sensitivity was excluded.

RESULTS: 70 drivers were enrolled in this study. 30 to 60 years aged drivers were included. All the participants were males. Data was
collected by using proforma and performing practical tests. The mean age was 44 years and the mean driving experience was 9 years. 20 (28.6%) drivers had defected visual acuity, 16 (22.8%) drivers had abnormal contrast sensitivity, 22 (31.4%) drivers had defected colour vision, 7 (10%) drivers had defected visual field. 5 (7.1%) drivers had positive hypertension history and 5 (7.1%) drivers were diabetic. History of diabetes and hypertension were recorded as these have significant effects on human eyes.

CONCLUSION: Visual functions are more defected in older drivers than in younger drivers. Impairment of visual acuity and visual field are the major cause of problem with minor effect of other components of visual functions.

KEYWORDS: Motorway drivers, Visual functions, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Accidents, Awareness, Medical attention.