Can't Drive At Night

By Wamie7

1 min read

I was diagnosed with dry MD about 10 yrs ago. It's been ok til this year. All of a sudden I could no longer see to drive at night. I went to 3 retina and MD specialists. They did all kinds of tests. MD is still dry, but they really had no specific reason for why my vision has gotten so bad. They said it was part of aging...I'm 71.

What may have caused it?

My mother went legally blind in one eye in her 80s. My sister has developed wet MD and is having shots in her eyes. But she can still drive at night.

I wonder if it was the Covid vaccine? I had my cataracts removed 4 yrs ago. Did great till a year later. Had to have the Yak procedure done. Got a new prescription but then the not seeing at night happened.

Qualifying for assistance

I'm single, with no children. My best friend moved away. So I'm looking for ideas to use for rides. Would I qualify for assistance?

This is very depressing not to be able to drive at night! I feel like a prisoner in my home at night. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Do you still drive at night with macular degeneration?

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Sharon Moore Moderator
<inline-mention username="Wamie7" user-id="4403195"/> thank you sharing your story with the community. Your experience sounds much like my own. I have had dry AMD for 7+ years now. I also had cataract surgery and the YAG laser surgery. I started having trouble seeing and learned I have chronic dry eyes. It can cause similar symptoms such as blurring as tge AMD. I can no longer drive at night I can’t offer any medical advice. Do you have an ophthalmologist to help you figure out what is responsible for the worsening vision? Public transportation varies greatly depending on your location. Where I live transportation assistance is only available for those on Medicaid. Best wishes finding resources to help you with your needs. Sharon Moore, Patient Leader
Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="Wamie7" user-id="4403195"/> I'm in Sydney in a suburban area with good public transport. I don't drive at night, but I don't like to be out too late anyway. In summer it's light until 8.30 pm or so and I can go out for an early meal. I have tried Uber and that worked well. Some of our local clubs have a courtesy bus pick-up and drop-home service, and that works well too. Everyone's situation is different, but this works for me. Best wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader.
Linda Hoopes Moderator
Not being able to drive at night is a more recent challenge for me, too. Diagnosed 10 years ago with dry AMD, I can still drive in the daylight in familiar areas. I’m hopeful they will act on the recommendation to extend Daylight Savings Time year round which would give us more daylight hours in the evening. I also try to plan more things during the day instead of night. When I need a lift, I ask others if I can catch a ride with them and am seldom ever turned down. My biggest challenge was accepting that I’m more vulnerable & dependent now and have to ask for help but most everyone is very kind and helpful. It’s been a good lesson for me! Linda Hoopes, Team Member
sandielev1 Member
I am newly diagnosed .. early AMD dry.I have no symptoms yet. It is good to hear some people can do well for 10 years. Night Driving doesnt seem as important yo me as just having decent sight. I am trying my best to stay hopeful..not easy B Rgds Sandie