Tag: health conditions

Motorists warned of potentially deadly eye condition

Motorists have been warned about a potentially dangerous eye condition that distorts vision and adversely affects night-time driving.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar say thousands of Brits could unknowingly have an eye condition which causes difficulties with vision at night posing a safety risk on the roads. 

t is thought that as much as 40% of the adult population could be affected by Astigmatism, which occurs when either the eye’s cornea or the lens behind the cornea isn’t as round as it should be.

Astigmatism is an eye disorder which causes blurry or distorted vision, both close up and at a distance. 

Research suggests the condition could be on the rise as overuse of electronic devices can both bring it on and make it worse. 

Those who suffer from the condition commonly have a harder time seeing clearly at night because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights, such as headlights or streetlights. 

This can affect motorist’s ability to perceive road signs, other vehicles, and potential hazards as well as making it harder for them to detect subtle changes in the road.

The experts are calling on anyone who experiences difficulties with night vision and thinks they could have the condition to head to the opticians.

Not only does failing to address the condition increase the chance of causing an accident on the roads, but it could also lead to hefty fines and penalties for motorists. 

If it is determined bad vision is a factor in a driving accident, motorists will be fined £1,000 and have three points on their licence if they had not notified the DVLA of their condition prior to the accident. 

In more serious cases, failure to notify about vision loss or sight issues could even result in a driving ban. 

Those with the condition may require glasses or contact lenses to correct it, but in more extreme cases doctors could need to use surgery to treat astigmatis. 

The DVLA says motorists must wear glasses or contact lenses every time they drive if they need them to meet the ‘standards of vision for driving’. 

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “It is extremely important that any motorists who think that they could have an eye condition get to the opticians and seek treatment. 

“Common symptoms of Astigmatism include trouble seeing at night, blurry, hazy and double vision, as well as needing to squint to see clearly. 

“With an estimated 40% of the adult population suffering from the condition, anyone with the symptoms should avoid driving until they have been checked out. 

“It is very dangerous to drive with any condition which impairs vision as it puts the motorist and other road users at risk. 

“The condition is particularly dangerous for drivers as the days get darker because it increases sensitivity to glare and halos around lights which affects being able to see the roads and potential obstacles. 

“It is also important that the DVLA is made aware of any condition that affects the ability to drive safely because if a motorist is involved in an accident and it is found that the condition was a contributing factor, they could be prosecuted and their insurance invalidated.”

Diabetic drivers need to declare condition, says insurance experts

A leading Insurance comparison website is warning that many motorists with diabetes risk a hefty fine if they fail to declare the condition to the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).

Quotezone.co.uk also warns that policies could be void and claims disputed if diabetic drivers have not declared the disease to their insurer – and that includes those newly diagnosed.

As the pandemic-induced lockdowns forced people to alter their lifestyles with the closure of gyms, restricted exercise and reported spike in fast food takeaways – elements which can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease – it may lead to a surge of people being diagnosed with diabetes.

According to research from Manchester University, the first lockdown in April 2020 led to diagnosis rates falling 70% on the 10-year average.  

It estimates that more than 45,000 type 2 diagnoses were either missed or delayed between March and July alone, creating an imminent surge in new diabetes patients as things slowly begin to open up. 

Diabetes UK states that there are nearly five million people with the disease in the UK: 90% with type 2, 8% with type 1 and the remainder with rarer types. The charity predicts diabetes could rise to five and a half million by 2030 and 13.6 million are at risk of becoming type 2 sufferers.

The charity shared the following advice to show the various levels of restrictions for drivers with diabetes:

  • Those who have suffered a severe hypoglycaemia (hypo) attack at the wheel or while awake in past year-stop driving and tell the DVLA straight away.Driving licences will be revoked but can be applied for again after three months. Severe hypo attacks do not need to be declared if sufferer experiences it asleep.
  • Prescribed insulin – apply to the DVLA for a restricted licence – one to three years. Temporary insulin users do not need to tell the DVLA.
  • Medication that can risk hypos –a severe hypo while awake in a 12-month period, stop driving and tell the DVLA. Driving licence will be revoked, but can be reapplied for 3 months later.
  • Other diabetes medication or new exercise and diet – no need to tell the DVLA.

The penalties for not declaring a medical condition can result in a £1,000 fine and the risk of prosecution if the driver is involved in an accident.  

In addition to diabetes, motorists with heart issues and other conditions such as epilepsy, sleep apnoea, strokes should visit  the DVLA’s website for more information.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments:  “A serious medical diagnosis on top of the fear of losing transportation and independence can be devasting. On a more positive note,  many conditions and medications won’t impair driving, which the DVLA and insurers recognise.

“However, anyone whose condition or medication could affect their driving needs to keep the DVLA up to date. It won’t necessarily mean a permanent loss of a licence and many successfully reapply when their condition is managed and the risk declines.  It is however essential that all drivers are properly covered with an accurate policy, to protect themselves and other road users.

“If a motorist sees their premiums go up due to the insurer’s updated risk assessment, and it looks like they might be priced out of affordable insurance, they should shop around for new quotes – insurance comparison websites are a good place to start.”

Quotezone.co.uk is one of the country’s leading price comparison platforms, helping over 3 million users find a more competitive deal each year on everything from car insurance and motorbike insurance to caravan and motorhome insurance.