LASIK is considered minimally invasive and generally low impact. It’s one of the reasons that the procedure has become so popular with patients and physicians alike through the years. Below, we cover what to know about driving after Lasik surgery.
However, any procedure that involves the eyes will inevitably include a recovery period that involves refraining from any risky activity. This includes driving automobiles, which requires an individual to be at their most alert to be executed safely.
Driving After Lasik Surgery: What to Know
If you have LASIK treatment planned and would like to know how long to wait prior to driving a car, take a look at this guide regarding the subject.
What Is LASIK?
With the LASIK procedure, a strong laser is utilized to target the patient’s eyes in order to correct their vision. The ability of the eyes to accurately focus light on the retina may be enhanced by this procedure. This usually results in better vision for the patients.
The term “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis” (LASIK) describes this procedure. Most of the time, the procedure can greatly enhance a patient’s vision. However, it has no bearing on a person’s iris color or any other aspect of their eyes.
How Long Should I Wait to Drive After LASIK?
The good news is that you don’t have to wait too long after receiving LASIK to start driving again. In general, it’s considered safe to drive approximately 24 hours after your procedure. This means that you might only need to arrange for a ride home directly after your surgery before you can take care of yourself again.
However, you will need to have your vision checked after your procedure so you can be cleared legally to begin driving. In addition, even this may not mean that you are safe to drive on a personal level. For this reason, you should also pay close attention to any post-operative recovery instructions that are given to you by your physician.
Some examples of the types of care steps that your physician will prescribe will include prescribing eye drops, refraining from irritating your eyes with excessive rubbing, and lubricating drops. In addition, your eyes will be sensitive to sunlight after your procedure, which means that you may want to wear sunglasses for the first day after your procedure.
Should I Update My Driver’s License After Receiving LASIK?
Should you receive LASIK, there’s a possibility that you might need to update your driver’s license to reflect the fact that your vision is considered impaired. You’ll have to make a trip to the DMV in order to update your license and vision status. In general, most people will receive their new licenses within 30 days.
If you fail to update your license after receiving LASIK, you could possibly receive a ticket or citation if you happen to be pulled over. At the very least, you should keep documentation in your vehicle to ensure you have evidence of your successful procedure.
As stated before, it’s important to have a friend or family member who can help to drive you to and from your appointment on the day of your surgery. Taking every precaution possible will help to ensure that your procedure is a success.
Risks Associated with LASIK
Your eyes’ color won’t likely alter after LASIK surgery. On the other hand, there are a few potential negative effects from this operation. You can expect things like the following in many LASIK surgeries:
- Dryness in the eyes
- Halos and other vision abnormalities
- Glares in your vision
- Mild discomfort in one’s eyes
Nonetheless, the majority of these occurrences are transient in nature and shouldn’t have a lasting effect on a person’s health or vision. Furthermore, none of these are as dangerous as having a persistent alteration in one’s iris color. The majority of these adverse effects usually go away in a few days or weeks.
Getting Ready for LASIK Surgery
Because LASIK surgery is non-invasive, there is typically very little preparation needed. But you will have a meeting with your physician before the surgery. You’ll probably talk about a lot of various aspects of your own health in relation to your operation during this meeting. This all serves to make your procedure more effective and safe.
The Best Ophthalmologist in Mission Viejo
Dr. Ghosheh and the rest of the team at Advanced Eye Medical are committed to offering patients the best experience possible when it comes to receiving LASIK treatment. If you’re interested in receiving this type of work for yourself, then contact Advanced Eye Medical today in order to schedule an appointment.