Abstract
BackgroundCataract is an extremely common visual condition of ageing. Evidence suggests that visual impairment influences driving patterns and self-regulatory behavior among older drivers. However, little is known about the psychological effects of driver self-regulation among older drivers. Therefore, this study aimed to describe driver self-regulation practices among older bilateral cataract patients and to determine the association between self-regulation and depressive symptoms.MethodsNinety-nine older drivers with bilateral cataract were assessed the week before first eye cataract surgery. Driver self-regulation was measured via the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Visual, demographic and cognitive data were also collected. Differences between self-regulators and non self-regulators were described and linear regression modeling used to determine the association between driver self-regulation and depressive symptoms score.ResultsAmong cataract patients, 48% reported self-regulating their driving to avoid at least one challenging situation. The situations most commonly avoided were driving at night (40%), on the freeway (12%), in the rain (9%) and parallel parking (8%). Self-regulators had significantly poorer contrast sensitivity in their worse eye than non self-regulators (p = 0.027). Driver self-regulation was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms after controlling for potential confounding factors (p = 0.002).ConclusionsDriver self-regulation was associated with increased depressive symptoms among cataract patients. Further research should investigate this association among the general older population. Self-regulation programs aimed at older drivers may need to incorporate mental health elements to counteract unintended psychological effects.
Highlights
Cataract is an extremely common visual condition of ageing
Information was collected from older drivers with bilateral cataract, the week before first eye cataract surgery
This study found that a high proportion of bilateral cataract patients self-regulated their driving while waiting for cataract surgery
Summary
Cataract is an extremely common visual condition of ageing. Evidence suggests that visual impairment influences driving patterns and self-regulatory behavior among older drivers. The number of older drivers on the roads with cataract is projected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. This is due to the ageing population and because older drivers are retaining their licenses for longer [2]. Cataract can negatively affect different aspects of vision including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and a highly effective treatment for cataract. Those who have surgery through the public system typically wait long periods before surgery and are potentially at risk on the road during this time. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cataract patients may self-regulate their driving during the waiting period for first eye surgery, potentially reducing their risk of crashing
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