Driving after laser eye surgery is usually possible once vision meets legal standards and feels comfortable. The exact timing depends on the procedure and individual healing.
Immediate period after surgery
On the day of treatment your eyes are too blurred and light sensitive for driving. Anaesthetic drops dilating drops and emotional tiredness all affect safety.
Someone else should take you home and you should rest. Short spells of television or listening to music are usually fine.
When driving may be allowed
Many LASIK or SMILE patients reach driving vision within a day or two. Surface procedures such as PRK take longer.
- First post operative check often within twenty four to forty eight hours
- Clinician confirms whether you meet driving standards
- Night driving may still feel uncomfortable at first
- Glare and halos usually improve over several we
