UK drivers with common eye condition at risk of £1,000 fines

UK motorists could be slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine if they fail to inform the DVLA about a common eye condition known as glaucoma. This condition, which can cause severe symptoms when the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, is expected to affect an increasing number of Brits.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists estimates that the number of UK residents living with glaucoma will surge by a third between 2020 and 2035. Although the disease is uncommon in individuals under 40, it's worth noting that one in 10 people aged 75 and above are affected by glaucoma.

Diagnosis of glaucoma typically follows an eye test and can present various symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, nausea, and seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights.

The impact of glaucoma on driv ing

The condition can not only cause numerous symptoms but also severely impair your ability to drive. As a result, glaucoma is included in the list of eye conditions that must be reported to the DVLA, failing which you could face a substantial fine or even prosecution in certain cases.

According to official guidelines, the DVLA must be notified of any condition affecting both eyes, or the remaining sighted eye if applicable. Furthermore, if a GP, optician, or eye specialist has advised that you do not meet the visual standards for driving, it is compulsory to inform the DVLA.

The law is clear that all motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, avoid double vision, and have a normal field of vision in at least one eye, as verified by an optician.

As per the official GOV.UK website: "You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you're involved in an accident as a result."

Additional conditions, besides glaucoma, that require reporting include:

• blepharospasm
• diabetic retinopathy (with laser treatment)
• retinitis pigmentosa
• diplopia (double vision)
• nyctalopia (night blindness)

How to report an eye condition to the DVLA

You can report any eye condition that you believe will affect your driving by filling in a V1 form and sending it to the DVLA. You can also make a report or find the relevant form online.

If you are a bus, coach, or lorry driver, then you will instead need to fill in a V1V form. A copy of this form can be found and printed out from GOV.UK here.