Clear vision is crucial when driving – especially after eye treatment. Many patients therefore ask themselves: When can I get back behind the wheel after laser eye surgery or cataract surgery? The answer depends on several factors – the procedure itself, the healing process and, of course, the individual visual acuity achieved.

In this article, you will find out when driving is allowed again after eye surgery, what legal requirements apply in Austria, what you need to pay attention to as a patient – and why a little patience is so important for your own driving safety and that of all road users.

Driving after laser eye surgery or cataract surgery – when is it allowed again?

As a general rule, driving is prohibited immediately after the procedure. This is because neither after laser eye surgery nor after cataract surgery is vision stable, reaction time reliable or vision unrestricted. Depending on the type of procedure, healing process and individual situation, it is usually possible to regain the ability to drive within a few days to weeks – ideally after medical clearance.

Why driving is prohibited immediately after the procedure

Your vision is not yet stable immediately after treatment, your eyes react sensitively to light, medication such as pupil dilation drops affect your vision, and glare or blurred vision can also occur. All of this has a direct impact on driving safety and reaction times.

Is this regulated by law in Austria?

Yes – according to § 58 of the Driving License Act Implementation Ordinance (FSG-DV), only those who have the necessary physical and mental aptitude may participate in road traffic. This expressly includes sufficient visual acuity. This means that after an eye operation, you may only drive again once the ophthalmologist has confirmed that you are fit to drive. Without this medical assessment, you not only risk your health in an emergency, but also insurance consequences.

Driving after cataract surgery (cataract operation)

After cataract surgery, vision is usually significantly improved within a short period of time – especially if the clouded lens has been successfully removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. Compared to laser eye surgery, cataract surgery mainly affects older people, who often also have other age-related changes to the eye that need to be taken into account.

In most cases, patients can drive again between 3 and 7 days after cataract surgery– provided that their vision has recovered sufficiently and the treating ophthalmologist gives the green light.

How vision changes after cataract surgery

It is important to note that even if many patients experience subjectively improved vision just a few days after cataract surgery, they should not drive again until their ophthalmologist has officially confirmed that they are fit to drive. This is because vision can still change during the healing process, and slight residual distortion or sensitivity to glare are also possible in the initial period.

What does visual acuity of 70 percent mean – and how is it measured?

In Austria, the following also applies: a minimum visual acuity of 70% (or 0.7 visual acuity) in the better eye is required to drive a vehicle. The doctor will check whether this value is achieved after the operation as part of the post-operative check – if necessary with the support of a visual aid. Only then can you legally and safely participate in road traffic again.

How is visual acuity measured?

The measurement is carried out by the ophthalmologist or optometrist using:

• Eye chart (Landolt rings): Here you indicate which direction the opening of the rings points.

• Corrected measurement with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary.

• Measurement is monocular (each eye individually) – the better eye is relevant.

A visual acuity of 0.7 means that you can see at a distance of five meters what a person with normal vision would see at seven meters.

Why is this important?

After cataract surgery or laser eye surgery, your visual acuitymay fluctuate for a short time. Only when your visual acuity is stable and the legal minimum value is reached can you safely drive a vehicle again. In cases of doubt, the doctor can issue an eye-specific certificate that officially confirms your fitness to drive.

Driving after laser eye surgery – what applies here?

After laser eye treatment – whether Femto-LASIK, Trans-PRK or SmartSight (SMILE) – the following always applies: driving is absolutely taboo on the day of the procedure. The eyes are irritated, possibly sensitive to light, and vision may fluctuate in the first few hours. The medication used, in particular local anesthetic drops or pupil dilators, also make driving a vehicle immediately after the procedure impossible and unsafe. However, this also depends on the healing process, visual aids, previous history and lifestyle.

When can you drive again?

• Femto-LASIK and SMILE: As a rule, vision is already so good after 1-2 days that driving is possible again – after approval by the ophthalmologist.

• Trans-PRK: Healing takes longer, often 4 to 7 days, until vision is stable enough for safe driving.

Prerequisite:

• Follow-up check with the treating ophthalmologist to check whether the visual acuity meets the requirements for road traffic.

• No sensitivity to glare or symptoms such as double vision or dry eyes that could impair driving safety.

Why a clear view is so important when driving

• Visual acuity: To recognize traffic signs, pedestrians and dangers in good time.

• Contrast vision: Particularly important in fog, rain or in the dark.

• Glare sensitivity: Often increased after surgery – can be critical in oncoming traffic.

• Perception of colors and movements: For example, when recognizing brake lights or traffic lights.

What patients should look out for before driving again

Before you get back behind the wheel after laser eye treatment or cataract surgery, it is worth doing a quick self-check – supplemented by the approval of your treating ophthalmologist. This list will help you to keep an eye on the most important points:

✅ Checklist for safe driving after eye surgery

• Receive medical clearance (e.g. for follow-up checks)

• At least 70% visual acuity achieved in the better eye

• No double images or flickering

• No pronounced sensitivity to glare (e.g. when driving at night or in sunlight)

• Contrasts easily recognizable, even in changing light conditions

• Stable visual acuity without strong fluctuations throughout the day

• If necessary: visual aid (glasses or contact lenses) fitted and ready

• No medication in the eye that impairs the ability to drive

• Feel personally safe and comfortable – no insecurity at the wheel

Tip: Take time for an initial short test drive under simple conditions (e.g. in daylight and with little traffic) before you are back on the road in full traffic. Always pay attention to other road users and continue to use glasses and contact lenses if you need them.

Tips for traveling to and from eye treatment

Whether you are having laser eye surgery or cataract surgery, you are not allowed to drive or use public transport alone on the day of the procedure. Planning is therefore everything to ensure that you arrive relaxed and safe for treatment and back home again.

How to organize your arrival and departure:

• Travel with a companion
  Ideally, you should have someone you trust bring you and pick you up – it’s safe, comfortable and easy on the eyes.

• Use a cab or driving service
  A professional driving service is the best choice, especially after cataract surgery or treatment with sedative medication.

• Do not use public transport alone
  You are not fit to drive after the procedure – not even as an unaccompanied pedestrian. This applies to both laser eye surgery and cataract surgery.

• Allow sufficient time
  Allow buffer time for your journey so that you arrive at the practice stress-free. You should allow yourself sufficient rest after the procedure.

• Organize early on
  Clarify how you will get home when you make your appointment – and who will accompany you if necessary.