Cataract surgery when can you drive

After cataract surgery, patients need time to recover and adjust to the new changes with their vision. For some, light sensitivity can make it difficult to comfortably see while driving in the first few days after surgery. Light sensitivity is typically temporary and once it resolves, driving may safely resume. It's common for cataract surgery to be performed on one eye at a time so those who have only had one eye treated may notice depth perception issues.

In such cases, it may be best to wait until the eyes have adjusted and depth perception issues have improved before driving. After cataract surgery, it's recommended that patients who wear eyeglasses have their eyes checked to make sure they have the correct prescription for their new vision needs before they start driving again.

Some people may no longer need eyeglasses after cataract surgery and others may not require as strong a prescription. For more information about driving after cataract surgery, or to find out if cataract surgery is right for you, please call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Primary Eye Care Associates is a family-friendly vision care practice in Chicago. Led by our eye doctor, Dr. Steven Chander , our practice provides a variety of services , features a state-of-the-art optical laboratory, and includes an optical boutique with designer frames.

Chander is certified by:. To schedule an appointment with our team, please fill out our online form or call Some images are of models, not actual patients. Sitemap Privacy Policy Login. More Contact Info. Johns Hopkins Medicine. How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?

Austin Eye. September How soon can you drive after undergoing cataract surgery? Byrd Eye Clinic. January How long after cataract surgery can you drive? Neurosurgery Today. February When can you drive after conventional or laser cataract surgery? Vision Eye Institute. Will my vision be good enough to drive without glasses or contacts? When can I drive after cataract surgery?

What are some reasons to wait to drive again after cataract surgery? Can I use my old glasses for driving after cataract surgery? Notes and References Can you drive after cataract surgery for one eye? Your eye may feel itchy or sore immediately after the surgery. After a couple of days, most discomfort should disappear. Complete healing may take weeks. Most individuals see better within 24 hours of surgery and sight will become progressively better within the first week. Your doctor may ask you to wear an eye patch for a few days after your surgery for protection.

Wearing a protective shield while you sleep may be recommended by your surgeon. Your doctor may restrict your activity on the day of surgery to allow the eye to rest and recover.

However, TV watching, reading, and other non-vigorous activities may be fine within a day or two of the procedure. Do not wash your hair until the day after surgery and avoid getting water, soap, and other non-sterile matter into your eye for several days. However, you may shower and wash your hair as soon as the day after your surgery.

Just be sure to keep your eyes closed during hair and face washing to avoid getting product in the treated eye. Do not wear makeup around your eyes for at least a week and consider throwing out any partially used makeup to avoid infection. The best option would be for insurance, be it private or Medicare, to pay for the procedure. Beyond insurance, doctors may work with you to establish payment plans for your portion of the expense. Yes, but check with your insurance company to get a full understanding of any additional costs that may not be covered.

The cost of surgery includes fees for the surgical suite, doctor, anesthesiologist, pre-surgery tests, post-surgery drugs, and follow-up visits with your doctor. Premium lenses are often not covered by insurance. If you are Medicare-eligible, it will pay for most of the cost of cataract surgery. A team of highly qualified professionals, including an ophthalmologist who specializes in managing visual impairments, is also essential to surgical success.

Our surgeons specialize in specific procedures such as cataract surgery, know the latest medical techniques, and have access to up-to-date equipment and operative suites. Schedule your cataract appointment today. Call or visit your nearest Barnet Dulaney Perkins eye center to learn more about our ophthalmologists and eye care team.

Patient Login Referring Doctors. Is cataract surgery major surgery? How long does cataract surgery take? Does cataract surgery hurt?

What happens if you blink during a cataract operation? What are the side effects of cataract operation? Does cataract surgery last a lifetime?

Can cataracts grow back? Your Vision After Cataract Surgery When dealing with an ailment of the eyes, often the greatest concern is if your vision will be affected.