How Soon after LASIK Surgery Can I Drive?

LASIK surgery can help correct vision problems, including nearsightedness and farsightedness, and eliminate the need for eyeglasses. Although LASIK surgery helps improve vision, there is a short period of time after surgery in which the vision may be blurry. During this recovery time, driving must be avoided. So how soon after LASIK surgery should you expect to be able to drive? We’ll answer this question and more as we discuss LASIK and driving in this overview from the Jacksonville, FL practice of Maida Custom Vision.

Can I Drive Myself Home after LASIK Surgery?

No, you will not be able to drive yourself home after LASIK surgery. Although most patients feel well enough to drive, the eyes may feel sore and vision may be temporarily blurry, making it unsafe to drive. Aside from the vision being blurry immediately after surgery, the sedatives used to keep patients comfortable during surgery takes time to wear off, further making it unsafe for patients to drive themselves home after surgery. Accordingly, patients should arrange for a friend or family member to drop them off and pick them up from surgery.

How Soon after LASIK Surgery Can I Drive?

Each patient’s recovery from LASIK surgery is unique and the actual length of time required to wait before driving can be resumed will vary. With that said, many people are ready to drive as early as the day after surgery. Before patients are allowed to drive, they will need to get approval from their doctor. This is done in a post-operative exam the day after surgery.

During the post-operative exam, vision will be tested. In many cases, patients no longer need to wear eyeglasses to correct their vision. Those who no longer require corrective lenses may be given paperwork from their doctor to take to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get any corrective lens restrictions taken off of their driver’s license.

LASIK Surgery Candidates

LASIK surgery is suitable for many people who are tired of wearing eyeglasses or contacts and want to improve their vision. LASIK surgery may be used to correct such vision problems as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Candidates for LASIK surgery include those who have vision problems and good eye health. Ideal candidates should be over the age of 18 and their vision should be stable for at least a full year prior to surgery.

Those with certain eye conditions may not be suitable candidates for LASIK surgery. Eye conditions like gluacoma, keratoconus, or chronic dry eye may disqualify someone from getting LASIK surgery. Women who are pregnant or nursing should postpone LASIK surgery until after pregnancy and nursing has stopped.

Are You a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

Those who undergo LASIK surgery can enjoy the benefits of seeing with clarity without the need or hassle of contact lenses or eyeglasses. To find out if you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery, or to learn more about other treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Maida Custom Vision.