Vision Disorders in Drivers Involved in Traffic Accidents

451 Dear Editor, Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of mortality in individuals aged <40 years and the third leading cause in all age groups. Moreover, in Iran, motor vehicle crashes are estimated to be the second leading cause of mortality in all age groups. These crashes not only cause mortality but also could impose high costs in all countries. [1] According to traffic agents’ reports, humans, vehicles, and roads are the most important factors that impact crashes. Meanwhile, human error is involved in >90% of all accidents and 75% of crashes in Iran.[2] Since January 1983, the European Commission has adjusted definite minimum visual standards for acquiring a driver’s license. These standards include visual acuity and visual fields for group 1 (drivers of cars and motorcycles) and group 2 (drivers of lorries and buses).[3] The aim of this study was to reinvestigate the visual performance of drivers who had a crash record during a year to determine the percentage of visual impairments and recommend further revision of vision‐related driving license requirements. A descriptive cross‐sectional study conducted a census during a year. The participants were 403 (94% male; age: mean, 36.17 ± 11.38; range, 16–74 years) healthy and injured motor vehicle drivers with a history of crash referred to the Amiralmomenin Hospital, Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran. Drivers with visual injury or head trauma were excluded. The researcher gathered data by using a form that consisted of demographic characteristics, driving records, and medical history. The results demonstrated that 33 drivers (8.2%) had known ocular diseases, including cataract in 9 (2.2%) and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in 5 (1.2%). Five participants showed visual trauma, Vision Disorders in Drivers Involved in Traffic Accidents