About Driving a Car with Macular Degeneration
At the intermediate stage of dry AMD, I feel anxious each time for my 6 month checkup with my RS, wondering if he will tell me I can no longer drive, which I dread to hear. I would appreciate any advise & encouragement from those who are no longer driving. How did you find out? How did you handle it? Were you given any advance warning? I know it will probably happen eventually but not sure I’ll ever be ready to hear I can’t drive. I’ve already stopped driving at night.
just like you, each checkup causes me anxiety. Will my scan show progression or will he say I can’t drive anymore. At my January annual eye exam with my optometrist, he told me it was no longer safe for me to drive at night. Though I still can drive in the daytime I am fearful of driving in heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas. Sharon Moore Advocate 
I too have the same concern about driving I can still drive during the day but i am more cautious especially on the interstate Only drive at night locally
I find that I have difficulty reading road signs the gps helps
wish you well
johnGPS is a blessing. I can’t read road signs until I am almost on them. Having AMD makes me extremely cautious when driving. Thanks for sharing, Sharon Moore Patient Leader
I gave up driving voluntarily several years ago due to a movement disorder. However the AMD caused extreme light sensitivity both in bright sunlight and at night when I would see halos around oncoming headlights. My fear of causing harm to others as well as myself made it a simple decision although giving up independence is hard. I can still manage to get where I need to go and have had some of the best conversations with family and friends as a passenger. Thea DeStephano
Theodore, that is a great way of looking at the possibility of not driving any longer - We may likely get more connected with others and have some great conversations. Thanks for that observation. Linda Hoopes, Advocate
Wendy, you are being so pro-active in looking to the future & the possibility of losing your driving privileges. I am most encouraged by other residents who live in my community with advanced MD who no longer drive. It’s so important to me to maintain my independence as much as possible. It sounds like you are making some very good decisions to assure your safety & comfort. Great tips on how to prepare - Thank you! Linda Hoopes, Advocate
