cataracts and driving

[rememdium]

after having cataract  operation how long do you have to wait before driving car

[Nottobad]

I have had a cataract operation but I don't drive. But I would think there would be no restriction because your eyesight is 100% better than it was before 

[Hidden]

It is supposed to be about two weeks but I was driving much sooner. I think that trusting your insticts is the best thing. 

[Bevvy]

It depends what hospital advise. My dad was told couldn't drive before checked by hospital or optician. DVLA just advise need to be able to pass sight test for driving and can judge yourself.

[y_not in reply to Bevvy]

Sight test is to read a standard UK number plate at 20.5 metres in natural daylight at right angles to the number plate - OMG, why do I know this rubbish! I didn't even need to Google it!! I really need to get a life!

[Jancon]

When  had mine done last year the hospital eye specialist said not to drive until you have the post op check and get the ok as this could invalidate your insurance.  Everyone sighed and went oh no because the follow up can be 6 or even 8 weeks later.  

[Maximonkey]

Hi rememdium, my husband had his cataracts done last year and the leaflet told him to see his Optomotrist two to three weeks after the op.  He could then drive.  I suppose it depends on how well your eyesight is after the op.  My husband has worn glasses since the age of three and now he only needs reading glasses.  Result.  Take care and good luck with the op.  Maximonkey

[FarmerD]

On the first eye after the check up 2/3 weeks after the op.You can tell ,it is amazing the difference.D.

[lynnekay]

My consultant told me that I could drive when I felt my vision was good enough.  I think I waited a week to 10 days

[Hidden]

Drove the next day after the first op and drove in the same afternoon after the second one.

I only needed to read the eye chart in the Dr's office prior to driving.

Will

[rememdium in reply to Hidden]

thought the same myself they are going to do my affected good eye first then my weak eye second 

[Hidden in reply to rememdium]

Smart move by the Dr's.

I was losing the sight in my right eye as the result of an accident on the farm. (Damaged lens) and had cataracts in both eyes as well.

I asked the surgeon to fix the right eye first and if it was successful to then do the left.

When I arrived at the hospital I went into day care, had drops in my eye every 15 mins for one hour and wheel chaired in to pre op where the nurse fixed an oximeter and o2 mask. The anesthetist gave me an injection in the back of the hand which sent me to La La land for a few minutes while they administered the anesthetic to my eye. I was awake for the op which lasted about 10 mins, even talking to the surgeon during the procedure. 

I visited the surgeons clinic in the afternoon about 7 hours after the op, had the shield removed, and the light was brilliant. It took me a minute to understand that the dullness had disappeared and I saw the eye chart on the wall opposite me.

I could read the bottom line, but before the surgery I struggled to read the top line. I made an appointment for 30 days time to have the left eye done.

Susan drove me home and I started driving next morning.

30 days later same scenario only this time I drove myself to and from the clinic. (Not the hospital . Taxi for that)

I noticed that the brilliant light I had at first disappeared after about one month., and I am back to using 1.5 mag glasses to read small print.

Long distance is perfect.

If I had to go to hospital then eye surgery would be my choice,considering I have not been in theatre since 1946 (tonsils) and was 73 when I had eye surgery.

Best wishes

Will