Once a person loses their binocular vision (ability to see from both eyes), they often experience no or low vision in one eye and have it checked. The ophthalmologist might suggest the person wear glasses, and their vision improves. They can read, watch movies, and do what they want.
However, their peripheral vision will likely change again in time, such as from an infection. This gets better after speaking to a vision specialist.
What happens if they lose sight in one eye? Can people with one eye drive in Indiana? It's a traumatic experience, and the best injury lawyers in Indianapolis can share some things one should know:
Does Indiana Allow People to Drive with Vision in One Eye?
As with other states in the US, Indiana does allow people to drive, even if they only have one eye. However, there are requirements. Drivers must prove that they have enough peripheral vision through a doctor's authorization.
In most cases, they will require an eye exam to check their field of vision. They may also need a rear vision mirror on the blind side and better outside mirrors on the vehicle. Sometimes, driving restrictions are put in place on the license that pertain to area, speed, daylight hours, and more. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also share insight to questions such as is a golf cart street legal in Indiana?
What's Monocular Vision?
Monocular vision means the person lost vision in one eye. They typically lose a part of the field view and might have issues with depth perception. This could lead to problems judging the distance from moving objects while on the road.
Typically, monocular vision leads to eye infections, and it can also be a progressive eye disease. Ultimately, low vision is something many people deal with, and it can lead to retinitis pigmentosa, retinoblastoma, ocular melanoma, and more.
Can One Safely Drive After Being Diagnosed with Monocular Vision?
Driving safely can be difficult once one is diagnosed with monocular vision or another type of visual impairment. They might not be able to judge distances properly, track moving objects, or have depth perception.
Without depth perception, it's often hard for drivers of motor vehicles to judge how far another car is from them. Likewise, it can be challenging to park correctly.
What to Do After Losing Vision/Sight in One Eye
Many people feel hopeless as their vision fades. They might suffer from depression, but they should be aware that they do have one other eye.
In some cases, it's possible to bring back their vision on the left and right side. Here are a few things to consider:
Talk to a Vision Specialist
The CDC claims that 93 million adults in the United States are at a high risk for impaired night vision, but only about half consult a licensed vision specialist to get assistance.
Cost is one of the top reasons why patients don't get quality care, such as telescopic lenses or corrective lenses.
If a person's vision declines or changes, they should speak with a competent and experienced vision specialist about using corrective lenses. Every second counts. When trauma happens to a functioning eye, they should get help quickly to avoid serious problems.
Take Frequent Breaks
Eye care specialists are trained to provide medical services to their patients. However, when the damage is at an advanced stage, it might be impossible to bring the sight back.
Typically, it takes about three months to heal from a vision surgery. Once that happens, the person should have another vision test to see how well they can function or drive.
Consider a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
During the break, it's time to speak with a night vision rehabilitation therapist. They will diagnose the person with monocular vision and help the victim get back to their old self. This requires training, such as for computer use, home management, driving ability, and communication.
Practice and Train
Many times, people who lose vision in one eye are afraid to drive again. They sit around, which makes it harder to learn that skill and earn their driver's license once more. However, it's best to train for driving as soon as possible.
Safely Driving on the Road
It's possible to lose one's driver's license after being diagnosed with monocular vision. However, they could prove that they still have the minimum vision requirements to pass a vision screening and test. Once they do that, the driver's license could be reinstated, though they might need to do different things to drive safely, such as:
Stay at the Maximum Speed
Speeding can increase the risk of a crash because drivers don't have enough time to react to hazards and could lose control of the motor vehicles. Likewise, speeding can lead to a ticket. If someone is injured because of the speeding, they might be liable for hospital bills, auto repairs, and more. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions such as what is the brightest headlight bulb that is legal in Indiana?
Invest in a Better Rear Vision Mirror
Outside rearview mirrors in motor vehicles can be helpful when checking for blind spots to ensure safe driving. They let one track the vehicles behind the car and change lanes without a problem.
Increase the Range of Vision
Even with monocular vision, the person still has one eye. It's possible to increase their range of vision! For example, one could wear corrective lenses, practice head movements, and much more.
Get a Vision Test Frequently
Since the person only has vision in one eye, they should focus on the other eye. Therefore, they need routine vision tests to measure peripheral vision, visual acuity, and more.
Visual Acuity Requirements for Most People
The average person has a visual acuity of 20/20, but those with one eye won't reach those visual acuity levels. Ultimately, people should be tested for their field of vision, peripheral vision, and more each year.
Cost of Best-corrected Visual Acuity Services
The cost of getting best-corrected visual acuity services depends on the lenses the person needs. Contact lenses can cost up to $40 per box, while telescopic lenses are much more expensive. It's wise to speak with a low-vision specialist about the options available.
Contact a Law Firm After Losing an Eye or Getting Injured in an Accident By One-eyed Drivers
Uncorrected visual acuity can come with many problems if left untreated. For example, it's easier to get into an accident.
If a victim was injured by someone who was driving with vision only in one eye, it's wise for them to contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and request a free consultation. Use the online form or call today!