Abstract

Objective To evaluate the number of people driving in accordance with European legal driving requirements, measured as far binocular visual acuity and the binocular visual field, to identify variables associated with driving habits that do not meet legal standards. Method Subjects aged 18 to 59 years were recruited at a tertiary referral center. Far visual acuity was measured with the modified ETDRS charts, and defined as equal as or better than 0.3 logMAR units. The visual field was evaluated using the binocular Estermans test, and defined as normal/complying if the horizontal visual field was at least 120°; the extension was at least 50° to the left and to the right, and 20° up and down; and if no defects were present within a radius of the central 20°. Details of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were obtained from all of the participants by using questionnaires. Results One thousand subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 883 were current drivers. Among the 883 current drivers, 849 (96.1%) had both a far binocular visual acuity equal or better than 0.3 logMAR units and a normal field of view, while 34 (3.9%) did not meet these requirements. A logistic regression was performed to identify the variables statistically associated with the practice of driving among licensed drivers who did not meet the minimal visual requirements. This revealed that a non-recent ophthalmology examination (p = 0.002), and not having an acquaintance to drive them (p = 0.014) were influencing factors. Conclusions In our study, 81% of the subjects aged 18 to 59 years were driving, of whom 3.9% did not meet the European legal driving requirements that are set at equal or better than 0.3 logMAR units and a normal field of view. The variables associated with driving status were the time of the most recent examination, and not having an acquaintance to drive them.

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