Recovery Time for Cataract Surgery: When Can I Start Driving Again?
Cataract Surgery Recovery: When Can You Safely Drive Again?
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that can significantly improve vision, but the recovery period and driving restrictions can vary among individuals. Here's what you need to know about driving after cataract surgery.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that the recommended driving time after cataract surgery is at least 24 hours post-surgery. This guideline is based on official healthcare guidelines and expert advice, as vision may be blurry and there may be light sensitivity for the first 24-48 hours, which usually improves over a few days.
However, even after this initial period, it's crucial to consult your ophthalmologist or healthcare professional for guidance on when it's safe to begin driving again. Most patients typically resume driving within 3 to 4 days to about a week after surgery once vision has sufficiently cleared, and their ophthalmologist confirms it is safe.
Legal requirements also play a role in this decision. You must be able to read a modern car number plate at 20 meters with both eyes open. Your ophthalmologist or optician should confirm this at a follow-up appointment.
If you've had cataract surgery on only one eye, driving can be more difficult due to an imbalance in your vision until you receive treatment for the second eye. In such cases, you may be advised to wear old glasses but remove the lens from the eye that has undergone cataract surgery, wear a contact lens in the nonoperated eye, or avoid the use of vision correction lenses.
In some cases, a healthcare professional may advise a person to wear an eye shield on the operated eye for a short period after surgery and also while sleeping at night to protect the eye. If you experience any unusual symptoms such as vision loss, severe pain that does not go away with pain medication, very red eyes, eye floaters (flashes of light, dark spots, or squiggly lines), or feel nauseous or vomits after cataract surgery, you should contact your doctor right away.
In summary, while you may be legally allowed to start driving about a day after surgery if vision is adequate and comfort allows, official healthcare advice emphasizes waiting several days (typically 3–7 days) and confirmation from your eye care professional before resuming driving, especially for more demanding conditions like night driving. Always prioritize safety and consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
[1] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Postoperative Care for Cataract Surgery. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatment/cataract-surgery-aftercare [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cataract surgery recovery: What to expect. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/in-depth/cataract-surgery/art-20047197 [3] NHS. (2021). Cataract surgery: Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/recovery/ [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Cataract Surgery Recovery: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16615-cataract-surgery/overview-of-cataract-surgery-recovery [5] Royal National Institute of Blind People. (2021). Driving after eye surgery. Retrieved from https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-sight-loss/health-and-wellbeing/eye-health/driving-after-eye-surgery
