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• time to pull my head out of the sand
• Posted: 2009-03-07 16:19:25 By katie c
• i am new to this site, but not new to RP. I was diagnosed 20 yeras ago and have happliy gone along my way. till yesterday! yesterday i went in to see a doctor about getting m cataracts removed and she starts talking about driving...it has been more than 15 years since i have had a visual field- didnt feel i needed anyone to tell my my vision was getting worse. i get my prescription updated every two years and they dont seem upset about my RP so neither was I. I thought it wouldnt really effect my life for many more years-i am 36 and expected to be "fine" until 50 or so. after reading some of the post on her- sounds like i was naive. i am going to get a visual field done on monday-many friends an family want me to put it off (as it could change my life dramatically if i cant drive anymore) but i want to know! if i shouldnt be driving i want to deal with it- not put it off any longer. does anyone know the process- will they tell me at the test or wait until i see the doctor again?
  katie

• Posted: 2009-03-08 13:40:59 By
• Katie,
  
  There is the legal and liability issue here at stake. You know you have RP, know that it causes tunnel vision, and if you were in an accident, that could ruin you financially for life.
  
  There are laws regluating visual parameters for driving. Many people with RP do not meet these requirements. I do not know if you have seen an RP specialist all this time or not, but I'm doubtful that you saw one. A good RP specialist would do the visual field every two years to monitor progression. I'm guessing you just went to someone to get your Rx updated, but not every ophthalmologist or otometrist can recognize RP when they see it. Many do not. It's a sad fact and many people who have RP do not know it until it's almost too late.
  
  I am sorry your family and friends are not supportive of this. To me, it sounds like they have their heads stuck in the sand and fear the truth. Whereas, the truth will make you free, free from fear.
  
  All the best with your testing.
  
  Darran

• Posted: 2009-03-18 19:44:30 By Gilesa B
• Katie
  
  It really depends on the state you live in. I live in North Carolina and if you have visual field of 20 degree or less you cannot drive. My visual field is about 23-25 degress. My doctor said in some states I would not be able to drive. I drive on a limited basis. My doctor is very good because we have worked together for 4 years on momitoring my driving.