Driving After Laser Eye Surgery: What You Need To Know

At Optegra, one of the most frequent questions our specialists receive is; when is it safe to drive after laser eye surgery? Your safety and the quality of your visual recovery are our primary concerns; therefore, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to drive immediately after your surgery, so you’ll need to make sure that you plan your transportation accordingly. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide, which covers everything you need to know about driving after laser eye surgery.

Driving After Your Laser Eye Surgery Consultation

Before your procedure, you’ll attend a comprehensive assessment. We perform a range of diagnostic tests to map your eye health. These tests are non-invasive and the drops may last from up to six to 24 hours, so we recommend you do not drive after your appointment until the following day. 

Can You Drive After Laser Eye Surgery?

Patients are not allowed to drive themselves home after laser eye surgery on the day of the procedure. There are several clinical reasons for this:

• Pupillary Dilation: Your eyes may be dilated, making your vision blurry and highly sensitive to light.
• Medication: We may use mild sedatives or anaesthetic eye drops that can temporarily affect your coordination and reaction times.
• Visual Disturbances: It’s normal to experience temporary fluctuations in clarity immediately after the laser corrects your prescription.

We recommend arranging for a friend or family member to collect you, and the majority of our clinics offer free parking for your driver or chaperone. We always advise against using the Underground or travelling through dusty public transport environments immediately after laser eye surgery, while your driving restrictions are in place, as these can increase the risk of infection.

How Long After Laser Eye Surgery Can You Drive?

After having LASIK or LASEK,  SMILE or PRESBYOND laser eye surgery, legally, you aren’t allowed to drive until you’ve been given the all-clear by your ophthalmic surgeon.

Every patient is different; however, the following can help as a guideline as to when you might be able to resume driving following laser eye surgery:

The Day After Surgery

You will have a mandatory follow-up appointment. You will still need a lift to this appointment. Your surgeon will test your visual acuity and check the healing of the cornea.

The “All-Clear”

Most patients find their vision stabilises quickly enough to drive within 24 to 48 hours. However, LASEK patients may require up to a week for the eye’s surface to heal sufficiently.

After the First Week

During the initial days following laser eye surgery, patients may experience minimal discomfort, sensitivity to light, and fluctuations in vision. Some patients may get the all-clear to drive, depending on how their recovery is progressing.

Driving At Night After Laser Eye Surgery

Even if you’re cleared for daytime travel, driving at night after laser eye surgery requires additional consideration. In the early stages of healing, you may notice:

• Glare and Halos: Bright lights and oncoming headlights may appear to have ‘starbursts’ or rings around them.
• Contrast Sensitivity: Your eyes are still adjusting to their new shape, which can make it harder to see clearly in low-light conditions.

Managing Your Return to Night Driving

To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend taking a gradual approach to night-time travel. A helpful first step is to travel as a passenger at night. This allows you to judge your comfort levels and observe how your eyes react to streetlights and oncoming headlights without the immediate pressure of controlling the vehicle.

Once you feel confident in your visual clarity, it is best to start with short, familiar routes in well-lit areas. Avoiding long-distance journeys or complex motorway driving in the dark during those first few days of night driving will help you build confidence as your eyes continue to stabilise.

Maintaining eye lubrication  is essential for optimal night vision. We suggest using your prescribed lubricating drops before setting off, as a well-lubricated eye surface provides much clearer optics and helps to minimise the intensity of glares or starbursts. 

Once these common side effects settle within a few weeks, you will be able to return to normal driving. 

Can I Drive After Laser Eye Surgery for a Retinal Tear?

If you’re visiting us for a different type of laser treatment, you might be wondering if you can drive after laser eye surgery for a retinal tear. This surgery is more involved and you may have more prolonged effects after retinal tear surgery. You must only drive when you are informed by your treating clinician that you are safe to do so. 

Do You Have To Tell DVLA If You Have Laser Eye Surgery?

In current DVLA guidelines, you don’t need to notify them if you’ve undergone corrective laser eye surgery, provided you still meet the visual standards for driving (like the ability to read a number plate from 20 metres away). However, if you develop a complication that affects your vision or if you can’t meet the standard even with glasses, you’re required to inform them. Your health care professional will advise you if you need to contact the DVLA. 

What Next? Contact Us To Discuss Your Laser Eye Surgery Requirements

If you would like to know how laser eye surgery can benefit you and ask any questions about recovery and aftercare, book your free virtual consultation with one of our experts, and we can guide you further.