TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1998//
TI  - 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
JO  - Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde (1963)
A1  - Ruckhofer, J.
A1  - Grabner, Gunther
SP  - 106
EP  - 110
VL  - 212
IS  - 2
N2  - 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.
LA  - 
SN  - 0023-2165
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -