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Older adults with vision loss more likely to avoid driving at night and on highways

Kelsey Moroz

Visual impairment, particularly distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity loss, significantly increases the likelihood of driving cessation and avoidance among older adults, according to a study.

Researchers analyzed data from 4,980 participants from the 2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study, and found that 9.4% of older adults had distance visual impairment (DVI), while 9.2% experienced contrast sensitivity impairment (CSI). Those with VI were significantly more likely to stop driving altogether (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31) or avoid driving at night (OR = 1.63), on highways (OR = 1.41), and alone (OR = 1.76). The combination of DVI and CSI was associated with even higher likelihoods of these outcomes, particularly for those with more severe DVI.

Reference
Xu S, Clarke P, De Lott LB, et al. Driving status, avoidance, and visual impairment among older adults in the United States. J Transp Health. 2025;42:102036. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2025.102036. Epub 2025 Mar 20. PMID: 40191617; PMCID: PMC11970574.

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