How Long Before I Can Drive?

[Barsel]

Tomorrow I am having a cataract removed from my right eye then at a later date, my left eye. I forgot to ask the doctor and I will probably forget to ask tomorrow as I was nervous enough at the consultation.Just in case they don't give me that info, is it one of those things where you definitely can't drive for a certain time or just when you feel you can? Thanks x

[woofgang]

You do need to ask, make a note to remind yourself, you also need to tell your insurance company id you haven't already done so. I think that its one of those things where you need to get your sight tested before driving again so no you shouldn't do it when you feel you can.

[Barsel]

I called into the Opticians yesterday but there was no-one free for me to talk to.The girl on the desk said I won't get my eyes tested until I've had both eyes done which could be ages.:-(

[stuey]

I drove the day after the operation as the doctor suggested, And what a difference that operation made!!...I got the other eye done a few months later. I think I'd be changing opticians.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Up to 90% of people who have surgery for cataracts will eventually have a good enough level of vision to start driving again if they have no other eye condition.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that you can start driving again if you can read a number plate 20 metres away with both eyes open. Many people who have cataract surgery will need glasses to be able to do this, in which case you will need to wait until your new glasses are fitted a few weeks after surgery.

If your vision is good in the other eye, you may be able to do this sooner, but in either case you also need to be confident doing an emergency stop."

Source:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cataract-surgery/Pages/Recovery.aspx

[stuey]

What, Chris!...No kidding. I guess every case is different, as usual. I only had cataracts in one eye: the other eye developed them close to a year later. After the first one was done I didn't need glasses: that was the point of the operation. Actually, Mrs stuey says it was 3 days before I could drive...No testing involved.

[Clanad]

If I may, I think Chirs' reference may be to that person who has cataract surgery (removing the clouded lens) who, for whatever reason doesn't have the additional lens replacement segment. I've known a couple of older people whose overall eye condition prohibited the lens replacement and were issued corrective glasses instead.

Both report less than satisfactory vision resluts.

However, cataract surgery with lens replacement is almost fool proof (depending on number of adjacent fools available) and reuslts in nearly 20/20 vision for all. The only problem being how nearly the opthamologist has measured the eye to predict the required replacement lens.

In my case, both eyes were done within just a week and recovery time was apleasant 2 hours accompanied by excellent tea and cookies (your biscuits) provided by the opthamologist. Vision was nearly perfect. The opthamologist suggested that if I had a minor corrective action via lasiks the vision in the left would be perfectly 20/20 as it was already in the right. Since I've a concern about laser surgery, I didn't elect to have that done and am happy with the results.

One thing almost all replacement lens patients will report, though is that, although the replacement lens is stabilized with small "stabilizers" at each edge of the lens, the lens can move slightly right or left. I notice that if I shift or move my eyes quickly without turning my head a shadow can momentrilly be seen as the lens readjusts to its position. No big deal and one soon gets used to it...

I drove a car within one day perfectly comfortable that I posed no danger to myself or others...

[jomifl]

When I had proton therapy on a tumour in my left eye the consultant just said that I should be careful overtaking....as if.

[Barsel]

Thanks for your replies. Bumped into a neighbour of mine in the supermarket this afternoon and she was told you can't drive for 6 weeks.I will just have to hope I get the information tomorrow. x

[york310]

If you can read a number plate at the correct distance you should be fine. You will need an eye test usually after four weeks of surgery but this may depend on when youn re getting the second eye done.
Good luck

[stuey]

Barsel, don't be telling any driving examiners that you bumped into someone:)

[Barsel]

Thanks for your good luck wishes york310 and Lol stuey, I didn't mean I literally bumped into my neighbour :-) x

[gness]

Good luck, Barsel.....you may have to decorate.....when MrG had his done he saw colours differently....well properly again really.....xx

[Barsel]

Thanks gness. Next time you see me I'll be sitting here wearing an eye patch with a parrot on my shoulder :-) xx

[gness]

Just watch where you plonk the wooden leg.....song for you on Mamya's thread...xx

[stuey]

Barsel, what ever you do, don't mention the wooden leg to the driving examiner:)

[stuey]

Great minds, wot!!

[Bravehearted]

Hi Stuey, like the Avatar. Contact DVLA they'll be able Tom devise you on the correct way to go after your eye operations. Then you'll be at peace with the law. Hope your op goes as well as my father in laws. He had both eyes done and never looked back.

[Barsel]

Had the op yesterday and told I cannot drive until I've been for my post op which is 13th January 2015 :-(
I know it's only 1 day since the op but my eye is very sore today and I cannot see well at all. Have only been on the computer for a short time but think I will sign off for today and hope it's clearer tomorrow.x

[gness]

Hi, Barsel......any better today?...x

[Barsel]

Hi gness yes things are getting clearer thanks. I am understanding now what you said about Mr G seeing the true colours, it's really strange.If I look at something with my right eye covered something might look cream, but covering my left eye and looking with my new eye,it's white! All the colours are so much brighter,and although I only have to wear my eye patch in bed, I'm actually sitting here with sunglasses on as the screen is too bright for me !! Disappointed about the driving aspect at having to wait so long, then I will have the left eye done and be unable to drive again. Ah well, I'm sure it will all be worth it. Thanks for askingxxx