On November 15, 2024, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was the setting for a festive occasion: Yasmin Faraji impressively defended her dissertation. Surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, she radiated pride, while her paranymphs, Arthur Pijpaert and Joris van Rijn, supported her in this important moment.
Glaucoma and Driving
Glaucoma is an eye condition that leads to gradual vision field loss. This loss can affect the perception of objects in the periphery, which poses a challenge for activities like driving. Assessing the driving capability of glaucoma patients is a complex issue that presents a difficult dilemma for both patients and physicians. The impact of this assessment on patients’ lives can be enormous, as it directly affects their mobility, independence, and freedom. This topic calls for careful research to arrive at a fair and safe assessment that respects the capabilities of individual patients.
An Innovative Approach to Glaucoma and Driving
Dr. Faraji’s research focused on this important and timely subject: the driving ability of glaucoma patients. Using the advanced eye tracker, the Treyescan, she investigated whether these patients could perceive critical traffic objects while driving.
The Power of Eyetracking in Action
In her groundbreaking study, Yasmin had participants observe realistic traffic situations in videos. The eye tracker recorded their eye movements, allowing her to analyze whether glaucoma patients could effectively compensate for their visual field defects. This innovative research not only provides insight into the visual capabilities of these patients but also has the potential to enhance their mobility and safety on the road.
A Promising Future
The Treyescan has the potential to become a valuable tool for assessing the driving capabilities of glaucoma patients. This technology can not only improve traffic safety but also promote the personal freedom of individuals with visual impairments.
Yasmin Faraji’s PhD defense marks not only a personal triumph but also an important step forward in the field of low vision research. Her passion and dedication are inspiring, and we eagerly look forward to her future contributions to ophthalmology!
Photo: Niels Keekstra