How come you don’t drive?
#ImNotMakingThisUp when I say I can’t drive because of my eye condition.
The most challenging aspect of nystagmus for me is not being able to drive. I’m fortunate to have family and friends who understand how nystagmus affects me, but I dread being asked the question by people who haven’t heard of the condition – ‘how come you don’t drive?’
It’s not an easy question to answer because nystagmus is a complex condition to
understand and explain. Having nystagmus means I find it harder to judge speeds and distances due to reduced visual acuity and it can’t be corrected by wearing glasses. My vision varies due to factors such as tiredness, stress and lighting. All this combined makes it
unsafe for me to drive.
I sometimes worry that people think I’m making it up, that it’s
just an excuse and that I can’t be bothered to learn to drive, which is far from the
truth. I was crushed when I found out I wouldn’t be able to drive. I have however
learnt to adapt over the years and am fortunate to live in an area where I can walk to
many amenities and have good public transport links. My family and friends are
always on hand to offer lifts, for which I am so grateful.
I hope by sharing my experience it helps increase awareness of nystagmus and how
it affects those of us living with the condition. I’d also like to say to those with the
condition that are unable to drive, don’t let it stop you achieving your goals. It’s made
me a stronger, more determined person.