Those with astigmatism suffer from blurred or distorted vision caused by the way that light enters the eye. An uncorrected astigmatism can lead to streaky or blurry lights, and people may see circles or halos.
These make it more difficult for them to see at night. A driver with astigmatism may see significant streaks around taillights ahead of them, headlights coming in their direction or streetlights along the side of the road.
This can often make car accidents more likely because it is harder for the driver to process the visual information outside of the vehicle. If there is a pedestrian crossing the road, for example, the driver may not see them because they are seeing streaks of light from nearby streetlights. Oncoming cars may make the driver feel like they are temporarily blinded until the vehicle passes them.
Weather conditions can make it worse
In some situations, the weather conditions a person is driving in can make astigmatism issues even more significant. For instance, if it starts raining, this can cause even greater streaking and blurring as the light passes through a wet windshield.
For a driver with astigmatism, driving at night (and especially in the rain) can be very difficult. They may feel like their range of vision is significantly limited, and they have to focus intently to see things that would stand out easily in clear, daylight driving conditions.
Seeking financial compensation
Even if you do not have these visual issues yourself, the drivers around you might. They could make significant mistakes and cause a serious car accident. Having a medical condition does not relieve them of responsibility for the crash.
If you have suffered injuries in a crash caused by another driver, having experienced legal guidance can help you consider your options for seeking financial compensation.
