Can You Drive After Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery can bring new clarity to your world. However, many people wonder when it’s safe to get back behind the wheel after cataract surgery.

While many people can drive within a few days, you’ll need clearance from your ophthalmologist before you can safely operate a vehicle.

What to Expect Right After Your Procedure

Your eyes need some time to adjust after the surgery. For the first day or two, your main job is to rest and let your body begin the healing process.

How Your Eyes Heal

During the procedure, we replace the cloudy lens of the eye with one of several types of lens implants. This opening starts to close within the first 24 hours. We’ll give you a protective shield to wear, especially while you sleep, and we’ll provide eye drops to help your eye heal correctly.

Common Sensations After Surgery

It’s normal to notice a few temporary changes as your eye heals. These sensations often go away within a few days.

Your vision might seem a little blurry or hazy at first.
The white part of your eye may look red or bloodshot.
You might feel a slight scratchiness—almost like an eyelash is in your eye.

When to Call Your Doctor

While some mild discomfort is part of the process, you should contact your ophthalmologist if you experience more significant symptoms, as certain issues may be considered eye emergencies. We want to hear from you if you have any concerns like:

Sudden loss of vision
Eye pain that doesn’t improve with time
Seeing flashes of light
Nausea or vomiting

The General Timeline for Your Recovery

Everyone’s recovery journey is a little different. However, there are some common milestones you can anticipate for getting back to your normal driving routine.

The First 24 to 48 Hours

You cannot drive on the day of your surgery. The medications you receive as part of the procedure can make you drowsy, and your vision will not be clear enough for driving. You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to take you home.

When Can You Go Out After Surgery?

You can typically resume light activities like walking around your home the day after your procedure. Most people feel ready to go out for short trips within a few days. You should wait for your doctor’s okay before you drive, even for short distances.

Your Follow-Up Visit with an Eye Doctor in Denver

You’ll have a follow-up appointment, usually the day after your surgery. At this visit, your eye doctor will check your vision and the health of your eye. If your sight meets the legal standard for driving and your eye is healing well, you may get clearance to drive.

Doctor using a pointer to demonstrate parts of the eye on a large anatomical eye model at a desk.

Factors that Affect Your Drive Timeline

How quickly you return to driving depends on more than just the procedure itself. Several personal factors can play a part in your recovery speed.

The Vision in Your Other Eye

If you had surgery on one eye, your brain needs time to adjust to the difference in vision between your two eyes. Your depth perception might feel a little off until your second eye is treated.

How You Heal

Your age and overall health can influence how quickly you recover. Following all your post-operative instructions—like using your eye drops as prescribed and avoiding heavy lifting—is a key part of a smooth healing process.

What to Expect with a Night Drive

Driving at night is more demanding on your eyes than driving during the day. It’s common to notice some glare or halos around lights after surgery. Because of this, you’ll likely need to wait a little longer before you feel fully comfortable driving after dark.

Tips for a Safe First Drive

Once you get the green light from your doctor, it’s a good idea to ease back into driving. These simple tips can help you feel more confident on the road for the first time.

Start Small & Simple: For your first drive, choose a short, familiar route during the day when traffic is light.
Wear Sunglasses: Your eyes may be more sensitive to light, so a good pair of UV protection sunglasses can reduce glare and make driving more comfortable.
Keep Your Eyes Lubricated: Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
Take a Break if You Need It: If you feel any eye strain, pull over when it’s safe to do so—don’t push yourself.

Other Daily Activities & Your Recovery

Driving isn’t the only activity you’ll be eager to resume. Here is a general guide for getting back to other common routines.

Light Exercise & Strenuous Activity

You can usually take walks the day after surgery. For more intense activities like running, yoga, or golf, it’s best to wait about one week. You should also avoid swimming for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

Screen Time & Read

You can watch TV, use a computer, or read within a few hours of your procedure. Your vision may be blurry at first as your brain adjusts to the new lens. The process of cataract diagnosis and treatment is designed to improve your vision for activities just like this. Take frequent breaks if your eyes start to feel tired.

Use of Eye Drops

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to help with healing. You can also use lubricating drops—just be sure to use a new, unopened bottle. Remember to wait five minutes between different types of drops so they don’t wash each other out.

Keep Your Vision Clear

Your vision is our priority every step of the way. At Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we’re here to answer your questions and support you through your recovery. If you’re ready to learn more about improving your vision, schedule a consultation with our team today.

Dr. Stuart Lewis, OD

Dr. Stuart Lewis moved to Denver in 1979 after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in neurobiology and behavior from Cornell University in 1974, earning his Doctor of Medicine from George Washington University in 1978 and completing an internal medicine internship at Northwestern University in 1979. At the conclusion of his ophthalmology residency at the University of Colorado in 1982, he entered private practice.

Dr. Lewis was board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1983 and was elected to be a Fellow and Diplomat of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1984. In 2018, he was selected as a Lifetime Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Lewis has been an active community member in Denver, having built the Cherry Creek Eye Center in 1985, one of the first inclusive Eye facilities in Denver, and created Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.C. He has served on various boards, including the Investigational Research Review Board at Rose Medical Center, and was an original board member at Harvard Park Surgical Center.

Dr. Lewis served at least 2 terms as Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Rose Medical Center. He also holds a position as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado eye residency program and was a Visiting Professor of Ophthalmology at the Elias Santana Hospital in the Dominican Republic.

In 2018, Cherry Creek Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. was listed as the 36th highest-rated business in Colorado based on patient reviews by “Top Rated.” Dr. Lewis is an active alpine and cross-country skier, bicyclist, and golfer. He also enjoys travel, birding, bridge, and opera.

Dr. Rachel Lewis, OD

Dr. Rachel Lewis is a highly skilled optometrist contributing her passion for eye care and a wealth of experience to Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.C.

Dr. Lewis earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. Before pursuing her optometry degree, she completed a Pre-Health Post Baccalaureate Program at New York University and University of Colorado Denver. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Amherst College and spent time studying abroad at Université de Grenoble in France.

Her area of practice is comprehensive primary eye care, with a focus in ocular surface diseases such as dry eye and keratoconus. Her practice also includes contact lens services (specialty, multifocal and soft contact lens fittings), myopia control, glaucoma management, pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care for a wide range of procedures.

Dr. Lewis is deeply committed to public service and has volunteered her expertise at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Stout Street Eye Clinic. She has also traveled to Honduras on a medical mission trip to provide primary care services and eyeglasses to underserved communities.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Lewis enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She takes advantage of the Colorado lifestyle as much as possible with outdoor activities including skiing, camping, tennis and golf. She is also passionate about experiencing other cultures through travel and cuisine.

Whether you are seeking routine eye exams, specialized contact lens fittings, or the management of complex ocular conditions, Dr. Lewis is here to help.

Dr.Tammy Gray, OD

Dr. Tammy Gray has been a key member of the Cherry Creek Eye Physicians & Surgeons team since 2012 and has practiced in Colorado since 2008. Her blend of professionalism and personal warmth makes her a valued member of our team and community.

After earning her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA, in 2006, Dr. Gray honed her skills with a residency in Ocular Disease and Surgical Co-Management at Eye Care Associates of Nevada. Her journey into optometry was built on a solid foundation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Dr. Gray is passionate about providing comprehensive primary eye care, focusing on anterior segment diseases, like keratoconus and dry eye, and fitting scleral contact lenses.

Outside the office, Dr. Gray loves spending quality time with her husband, son, and extended family. She’s a supportive sports mom, cheering on her son at his sporting events, and relishes the joy of movies, live theatre, reading, and exploring new places through travel.

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