“How long after a cataract operation I can drive?”
I am a 55 year old male. I will have cataract surgery. How long after a cataract operation I can drive?
8 Answers
This depends on how swollen your cornea is after surgery. It usually takes 3-5 days to clear, but some people are 20/20 day one and some people take a week or longer. Your eye doctor would be able to tell based on your exam.
Frank Cao
Frank Cao
It varies. Check with your surgeon after the cataract. As long as your vision has returned to better than 20/40.
Dr. LMJ
Dr. LMJ
Not for 24 hours after IV sedation. Otherwise as soon as the vision is clear enough to drive. SO
I generally tell my patients that they can drive when they feel confident driving. This is never the same day as surgery. You need to ask your surgeon in case you have special circumstances.
Since only one eye is operated at a time, you can usually drive 24 hours after surgery once the sedative has worn off, as long as you have good legal driving vision in the other eye. Vision in the operated eye may take a few days to completely clear, and you will likely need new glasses. If you do not feel comfortable driving, then of course do not! Ask your surgeon for specific advice in your situation.
Sincerely,
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Sincerely,
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
We typically tell our patients they can drive in 24 hours if they feel their vision is good enough.
Heath Lemley, M.D.
Heath Lemley, M.D.
Within 2 days
Hello,
It is best to go by your doctor's orders concerning returning to normal activity after cataract surgery; however, generally speaking, you should be able to return to driving within 72 hours.
It is best to go by your doctor's orders concerning returning to normal activity after cataract surgery; however, generally speaking, you should be able to return to driving within 72 hours.
