Driving when you have

macular degeneration

■ For most people, driving represents

freedom, control and independence.

Driving enables most people to get to the

places they want to go and to see the

people they want to see when they want.

■ Driving is a complex skill. Our ability to

drive safely can be challenged by changes

in our physical, emotional and mental

condition. 

■ The goal of this brochure is to help you,

your family and your health care

professional talk about how macular

degeneration may affect your ability to

drive safely.

How can having macular 

degeneration affect my

driving?

■ Macular degeneration can distort your

central vision and can lead to loss of

sharp vision. Macular degeneration also

can make it difficult to see road signs,

traffic, and people walking, and may

affect your ability to drive safely.

Can I still drive with macular

degeneration?

■ If your eye care expert has told you that

you have macular degeneration, there are

certain things that you should know and

do to stay a safe driver.

■ People experience the visual effects of

macular degeneration in different ways.

In the early stages of macular

degeneration, you may only have small

central areas of vision loss or distortion

that may not affect your driving. In fact,

you may not even notice any change in

your eyesight. As macular degeneration

progresses, it may become harder for you

to see clearly. This may make you worry

about your vision and make it harder to

drive safely. 

What can I do when macular

degeneration affects my 

driving?

■ If you have a family history of macular

degeneration or have any changes in your

central vision, you should immediately

contact your eye care expert. After a

definitive diagnosis of macular

degeneration, how often you visit your

eye care expert depends on your doctor’s

advice, the type of macular degeneration

that you have, and your symptoms.

■ Although there is not much that can be

done to stop the disease from getting

worse, the use of antioxidant vitamins

may help retard its progression.

Additionally, there are surgical procedures

that may help if they are done in the

early stages of the disease. 

■ Your eye care expert may refer you to a

driver rehabilitation specialist who can go

on a drive with you to see if macular

degeneration has affected your driving.

The specialist also may offer training to

improve your driving skills. Improving

your skills could help keep you and

others around you safe. To find a driver

rehabilitation specialist near you, go to

www.aota.org/olderdriver and look up

the name of a specialist in your State.

You also can call hospitals and

rehabilitation facilities to find an

occupational therapist who can help with

the driving skills assessment and

remediation. Depending on where you

live, you may need to travel to nearby

communities to find these services.

What if I have to give up and

cut back on driving?

You can keep your independence even if you

have to give up or cut back on your driving.

It may take planning ahead on your part,

but it will get you to the places you want to

go and the people you want to see.

Consider:

◆ rides with family and friends; 

◆ taxi cabs;

◆ shuttle buses or vans; and

◆ public buses, trains and subways.

■ Also, senior centers, and religious and

other local service groups often offer

transportation services for older adults in

your community.

Who can I call for help with

transportation?

Call the ElderCare Locator at 

1-800-677-1116 and ask for your

local Office on Aging, or go to their

website at www.eldercare.gov.

■ Contact your regional transit authority,

which can tell you which bus or train to

take.
Call Easter Seals Project ACTION 

(Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation) at 

1-800-659-6428 or go to their

website at www.easterseals.com/

transportation.

Where do I find out more 

about macular degeneration

and its treatment?

■ Your first step is to talk with your doctor

and eye care expert. You can also contact

the:

American Optometric Association 

314-991-4100

www.aoa.org

American Academy of Ophthalmology

415-561-8500

www.aao.org

National Eye Institute 

301-496-5248

www.nei.nih.gov

■ You also can get a copy of the “Age Page 

On Older Drivers” from the National

Institute on Aging by calling 

1-800-222-2225, or by going to their

website at www.niapublications.org/

engagepages/drivers.asp

Wear your safety belt

Always wear your safety belt when you are

driving or riding in a car. Make sure that

every person who is riding with you also is

buckled up. Wear your safety belt even if

your car has air bags. DOT HS 809 596 June 2003

Macular

Degeneration

Driving 

When 

You 

Have