Eye surgery helps to restore independence as well as sight for West Midlands drivers age 60+, new research finds

Driving is vital to quality of life for 93% of mature drivers in the West Midlands – with 88% of 60+ drivers believing they’re safer on the roads than younger licence-holders

New research has revealed just how important driving is for boosting and maintaining wellbeing in the over-60s – with 93% of respondents from the West Midlands stating how being behind the wheel is vital to their independence and quality of life.

UK-leading NHS cataract surgery provider SpaMedica polled more than 1200 patients nationwide, aged between 61 and 90, about their driving attitudes and habits following cataract surgery, with nine out of ten respondents confirming they currently drive.

In the West Midlands, 94% plan to continue driving for as long as possible and 88% believe that mature drivers are safer than those with less experience.

91% feel confident that they would pass their test if required to take it again, and 89% believe they’re a better driver now than when they first acquired their licence.

More than 9 in 10 (93%) undergo regular eye tests, with the same percentage (93%) reporting that friends and family are supportive of their driving.

The survey also found:

  • A third (33%) of West Midlands respondents say that, without driving, they would struggle to do everyday tasks like shopping/errands
  • 19% believe that driving connects them to their hobbies/social lives
  • The vast majority (84%) of older West Midlands drivers surveyed go out in their cars several times a week, with almost two thirds (61%) regularly driving on motorways and A-roads to get to their desired destinations – quashing the stereotype of more experienced drivers only taking their cars for an occasional trip around the block
  • A much smaller percentage (32%) say they only drive locally (within 5 miles of home)

Carolyn Beadsmoore, head of marketing and communications at SpaMedica said: “There are negative connotations associated with older drivers, with them often wrongly believed to be less safe on the roads compared to younger licence-holders. In fact, a recent report by the Road Safety Foundation outlines that drivers age 70+ do not pose a significant risk to other road users, and over-80s have a similar risk of serious injury as 21-29-year-olds.

“Our findings highlight the fact that being behind the wheel isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s fundamental to freedom and independence – and that rings true whether you’re 17 or 77.

“Having cataracts can impact on all areas of life. When people have to rely on others to get shopping or to be ferried around to see friends, these seemingly little things can be a major confidence blow. And the last two years have been especially difficult for many, with lockdown further isolating those with impaired vision.

“What this research reinforces is how important it is to reduce waiting times for cataract surgery, which are more than 12 months in some part of the UK. At SpaMedica we work hard, in partnership with the NHS, to reduce waiting lists, offering appointments within just four weeks and helping to restore quality of life for our patients.”

SpaMedica has 37 hospitals across England and supports thousands of NHS cataract patients every week. Its expert team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care, while reducing NHS cataract surgery waiting times.

Cataracts are common in adults – about 30% of adults aged 65+ will have a cataract that is affecting their vision and requires treatment – and cataract surgery is the most common operation performed today in the UK, with around 450,000 surgeries taking place each year.

Cataracts Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have cataracts:

  • A decrease in vision clarity that can’t be corrected with glasses
  • Colours appear faded or washed out, sometimes with a yellow haze
  • Sensitivity to light, glare, and seeing halos around lights
  • Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

It’s best to see an optician if you think you have cataracts. They will perform a thorough eye check and will be able to refer you for treatment if needed.