New research shows how important corrective eyewear is for a large proportion of road users – and Adlens adjustable focus eyewear has performed on a level comparable with prescription eyewear.
Adlens partnered with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute to provide this new study into the benefits of vision correction for driving safety.
In the first of a series of studies designed to investigate driving performance while using adjustable focus eyewear, researchers have found there is no statistically significant difference in hazard detection between prescription eyeglasses and Adlens adjustable focus eyewear. Both were found to offer a significant advantage over wearing no corrective eyewear at all.
UMTRI has been the forerunner of research in this field since 1965, with a multi-million dollar budget for identifying and solving issues related to safety on the road. This new study sheds light on the importance of proper vision in reacting to hazards when driving, even for those who do not require corrective eyewear for other daily activities.
Dr. Michael Flannagan, Research Associate Professor at UMTRI, said, “This study was designed to investigate how people would set adjustable focus eyewear for driving and how well they could see certain important stimuli with the eyewear. The study was conducted on public roads in normal traffic. Without specific instructions, the subjects adjusted the eyewear as expected: to see distant parts of the roadway rather than the vehicle instrument panel. The distance at which they could see and recognize objects (speed limit signs and pedestrians) was approximately the same with adjustable and prescription eyewear.”
Graeme Mackenzie, Director of Industry Affairs at Adlens, commented, “We are delighted by the early results from the UMTRI study. There are many millions of Americans who require prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to drive. Until recently, if their eyewear was damaged or lost, these people had no choice but to drive without glasses while they waited for new prescription eyewear to be issued. This research indicates that adjustable focus eyewear can offer a temporary solution to their vision correction needs, restoring visual performance behind the wheel and leading to greater safety on our roads.”
Adlens Adjustables are available globally in opticians and retail stores, coming recommended by UMTRI for the help they provide with road hazard awareness.