How Long After Cataract Surgery Can You Drive?

Driving after cataract surgery can be daunting, especially when trying to gauge the right time to get behind the wheel again.  We understand how important it is for our patients to feel confident driving both during the day and at night after their surgery. That’s why we’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions about driving safely post-surgery, so you have the information and reassurance you need as you return to the road.

Can You Drive After Cataract Surgery? 

Patients should not attempt to drive immediately after cataract surgery. Following the procedure, your vision will still be recovering, and you may experience temporary blurred vision. This blurriness is primarily a result of the medications used during the procedure and the eye’s natural response to surgery.  We recommend that patients arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up after cataract surgery. They can provide the necessary assistance and ensure your safe journey home.

Avoid Driving Immediately After Surgery 

Following the procedure, your vision may remain blurred while the local anaesthetic wears off. Whilst blurred vision is a natural response to the medications used during the procedure, you should never drive immediately after cataract surgery. You may also be fitted with a protective eye dressing or shield to safeguard the eye and aid the healing process. With impaired vision and the eye dressing in place, driving following treatment is not recommended, as it can pose serious risks to your safety and the safety of others on the road.  

When to Resume Daytime Driving

Most patients can safely drive again once their vision has cleared. This is typically around 24 hours after cataract surgery, but only if they meet the DVLA’s visual standards for driving and your ophthalmologist or optician has confirmed you are safe to drive after a follow-up check, especially if you experience ongoing visual disturbances like glare, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. 

If new glasses are needed, wait until you have an updated prescription (often advised 4 weeks after surgery) before driving long distances or at night.

Most patients can return to driving within 24 hours once: 

• Vision clears sufficiently to meet the Driver Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) standards regarding visual acuity and peripheral vision. 
• Your protective shield is removed. 
• Your consultant confirms it’s safe to drive during your follow-up check. 

How Long to Wait Before Driving at Night 

Night time driving often presents additional challenges after surgery, such as: 

• Increased sensitivity to streetlights and the glare from headlights. 
• Difficulty adjusting rapidly between light and dark areas. 
• Initial light sensitivity with a new lens. 

Heightened sensitivity can make driving at night uncomfortable and challenging for patients as the eye’s natural lens, which is replaced during cataract surgery, plays a role in filtering and reducing the intensity of incoming light. Following surgery, the brain is still getting used to the new artificial lens, and the first days post-op are crucial for the eye to begin healing. Exposing it to the harsh conditions of night time driving can hinder this process. It’s recommended that patients wait until they feel fully confident driving during the day before attempting night time driving.  If new glasses are needed, wait until you have an updated prescription (often advised 4 weeks after surgery) before driving  at night.

You can discuss any concerns you may have about how soon you can drive at night after cataract surgery with your Optegra consultant.

Do You Need to Tell DVLA If You Have Had Cataract Surgery? 

Patients suffering from cataracts require an annual eye test at their optometrists for monitoring. During these appointments, the optometrist will advise the patient if they do not meet driving standards. If the patient doesn’t, it’s their responsibility to stop driving, inform the DVLA, car insurance provider, and use alternative transport until they have had their cataracts treated. You can be fined up to £1,000 for non-disclosure of a medical condition.  

Following cataract surgery, patients will have another eye test to determine whether they meet the DVLA driving standards. Your consultant or optometrist will confirm your eligibility during your follow-up examination. 

Will my Car Insurance be Affected? 

Cataract surgery alone should not directly result in an automatic increase in premiums. Car insurance premiums are typically determined by various factors, including driving history, vehicle type, location, age, and other risk-related factors. Your car insurance company will typically continue to cover you following your cataract surgery recovery. It is advisable to inform your car insurance company in advance of your treatment. 

Can You Drive to Your Follow-Up Appointment? 

It is not usually recommended that patients drive themselves to their follow-up appointment. To evaluate the success of your cataract surgery recovery, the consultant will dilate your pupils, which affects vision and focus. Because of this, it’s best to arrange transport to and from all appointments to ensure your safety.  

Will Surgery Improve Your Driving? 

Cataract surgery can often improve a person’s ability to drive safely, especially if their cataracts were significantly affecting their vision prior to treatment.  

Cataract surgery can enhance your driving ability by: 

1. Restoring visual clarity – replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL) helps drivers to read road signs, recognise hazards, and see other vehicles and pedestrians.  
2. Reducing sensitivity to glare – especially from headlights, streetlights and sunlight, improving comfort and safety when driving. 
3. Improving depth perception – making distance judgement, changing lanes and parking easier. 
4. Enhancing colour vision – aiding in recognising road signs, markings and traffic lights. 

96% of Optegra patients reach standard driving vision following their surgery, and over 99% of Optegra cataract patients would happily recommend us to family or friends.

Insurance Considerations & Next Steps 

Undergoing cataract surgery shouldn’t automatically affect your car insurance premiums. These are typically based on broader factors such as your driving history, location, age, and vehicle type. However, it’s good practice to inform your insurance provider about any major medical treatments, including eye surgery, as part of your policy responsibilities. 

Before getting back behind the wheel, keep the following in mind: 

• You should only resume driving once your consultant confirms your vision meets the legal standards for driving. 
• After surgery, you’ll need regular eye tests and may be asked to complete a DVLA check to ensure you still meet the required visual acuity for safe driving.  

Take the First Step & Book a Consultation 

At Optegra, we have carried out over 51,000 cataract procedures in the last year alone, with an impressive success rate of 99.3%. This means almost all patients can drive without problems following their treatment.  

If you’re planning cataract surgery and have concerns about driving after the procedure, a free virtual consultation can help. You can complete an online suitability check, followed by a face-to-face assessment with one of our expert consultants. Book your consultation today to take the next step toward clear vision and confident driving again.