Driving and Cataracts: What You Need to Know
Cataracts slowly obscure vision, making routine tasks difficult or even dangerous. To restore your vision and quality of life, one of the expert doctors of GW Eye Associates can perform cataract surgery to replace your clouded lens with an advanced synthetic lens.
Many of our patients have questions about driving before and after cataract surgery, so we are covering the topic in this blog post. GW Eye Associates serves La Jolla, CA, Carmel Valley, CA, and San Diego, CA.
Driving with Cataracts
Driving requires clear vision so drivers can screen road conditions, read road signs, and scan for cars and pedestrians. The earliest stages of cataracts may not noticeably impede your vision. If you have concerns about your ability to drive with cataracts, you should seek the expert advice of either Dr. Gordon G. Wong or Dr. Wildon C. Wong. Our esteemed eye doctors have over 45 years of combined experience.
Eventually, cataracts will cause your vision to become impaired to the point that you can no longer drive. Cataract symptoms that interfere with driving include:
- Difficulty seeing in bright and dim environments
- Double vision
- Headlight glare
- Blurry objects
- Faded colors
Driving with advanced cataracts can be dangerous. Regular eye exams at GW Eye Associates allows our doctors to track the progression of the eye disease.
Driving after Cataract Surgery
Following your cataract surgery, you will be released to return home. You will need to have a friend or relative available to drive you home. Once you return home to rest and recover, your vision will rapidly improve. You should wait a few days (or as long as our doctors advise) before driving.
Individual healing times will vary, so pay attention to your body and avoid driving if you experience any side effects. Once one of our doctors has performed your first follow-up examination the following day, you will have a better understanding of your vision and ability to drive safely. For your safety, you may be advised to limit driving until your first follow-up exam.
Either Dr. Gordon Wong or Dr. Wildon Wong will give you the OK to resume driving again. Due to the expert care that patients receive at GW Eye Associates, you can expect a fast and healthy recovery that allows you to resume light activities and driving soon after cataract surgery.
Schedule Your Cataract Surgery Today
Clear vision is critical for safe driving and other important tasks. If you have the advanced symptoms of cataracts, you may be putting yourself at risk every time you get on the road. To schedule your next eye exam or cataract surgery consultation, please contact our office online or call (858) 454-4699.