Visual alterations in a sample truck driver population in the highways of the state of São Paulo

Abstract

The physical and mental examination of drivers checks for diseases that pose a safety risk to road users, including visual disorders. According to Resolution 267/08, from the Brazilian National Traffic Council (CONTRAN), a comprehensive visual test must be conducted, assessing visual acuity, field of vision, color vision and glare sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of visual alterations in a sample population of truck drivers. Data was collected at Highways Regis Bittencourt (BR-116) and Fernão Dias (BR-381). METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study on truck drivers through the Rizomed® ophthalmology evaluation. RESULTS: 89 truck drivers were analyzed. Regarding visual acuity, 19.1% were bellow 0.66 in both eyes and 24.7% were bellow 0.66 in one eye and bellow 0.50 in the other eye and had binocular vision inferior to 0.80. Regarding stereoscopic vision, 1.1% showed alterations in depth perception. The horizontal campimetry showed 44.9% had alterations in their visual field. Regarding glare sensitivity, 12.4% presented altered reaction. Regarding color vision, 100% were capable of distinguishing the colors green, yellow and red. CONCLUSIONS: Significant visual alterations were found among the sample group of truck drivers in the highways of the state of São Paulo. This finding suggests that a shorter interval for renewing the driver’s license in categories C, D and E (which allow driving heavy motor vehicles) would be appropriate, including periodic consultation with an ophthalmologist.