National Eye Health Week
National Eye Health Week takes place between 23rd and 29th September 2019, which aims to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular eye tests.
Good eyesight is essential when using the road, no matter what age you are. If you find it difficult to read road signs, particularly those with text, it could be that your eyesight has deteriorated and you may require spectacles or contact lenses. If you are finding it a little tougher to see clearly in the dark, this may also mean you need to wear corrective lenses.
By law, drivers and motorcyclists must be able to read a vehicle registration plate from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres if the vehicle was registered before September 2001) wearing glasses or contact lenses if required.
Although it’s common for our eyesight often gets worse as we get older, eye conditions can develop at any age. Glaucoma and cataracts are well known but other age-related illnesses, if left untreated, could affect your ability to use the road safely.
As part of a routine eye test, other health conditions that you may not yet be aware of, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may also be detected – which is another reason to have regular checks.
Road Safety Wales will continue to support National Eye Health Week through its website and social media channels, giving reminders of the importance of regular eye tests and common conditions that could compromise the safety of all road users.