Driving with cataracts: Seeing clearly instead of being restricted with cataract surgery
A cataract reduces your quality of life and independence. Here you can find out everything you need to know about driving with cataracts:
When do you have to stop driving? What are the risks of driving despite cataracts? And what options are there for you to cure cataracts and finally be able to drive safely again – perhaps even without glasses or contact lenses?
Is it even possible to drive a car with cataracts?
There is no “simple” answer here:
If you are asked whether you are “allowed” to drive, you should have at least 70 percent vision . If it is less due to the cataract and/or other visual defects, you will need an expert opinion certifying that you are fit to drive despite cataracts .
Depending on how advanced your cataracts are, you may no longer be able to drive safely due to your restricted field of vision. If this is the case, you should refrain from driving in your own interest. However, many people with cataracts continue to drive, especially in the early stages. After all, driving means independence and flexibility, which nobody wants to miss in their everyday life. To a certain extent, this is possible without any problems – it becomes critical when road safety is impaired.
What restrictions cataracts impose on driving:
Cataract is an eye disease that usually occurs with age and is characterized by the clouding of the lens of the eye. The most common symptoms of cataracts, which make driving significantly more difficult or even impossible, include
- Blurred vision: This is often the first symptom that people with cataracts notice. Vision may gradually appear blurred or cloudy, making it difficult to read and see in the distance.
- Glare: People with cataracts may become more sensitive to bright light and have difficulty seeing in strong light, especially at night or when driving (e.g. from oncoming vehicles).
- Reduced contrast: Contrasts between colors and shades may become less distinct, affecting the ability to see objects clearly, including road signs and other vehicles.
- Color changes: Cataract can affect the perception of colors, making them appear muted or altered.
- Double vision: In some cases, cataracts can cause the appearance of double vision.
- Problems when driving at night: Cataracts can impair vision in poor light conditions, which makes night driving particularly dangerous – especially in combination with the increased sensitivity to light.
Regular fitness to drive checks for your safety
Cataracts are a progressive disease that develops or intensifies over time. As a result, you may still be able to drive safely today but will no longer be able to do so in a year’s time. As self-assessment of your fitness to drive is not very reliable, it is important that you have your cataract checked regularly by an ophthalmologist.
In the early stages of cataracts, it may be sufficient to arrange a check-up every few months or once a year. As the cataract progresses or symptoms such as vision deterioration become more severe, check-ups may be more frequent, possibly every few months. Ultimately, however, the individual recommendation for follow-up appointments is a decision made by the ophthalmologist based on the specific needs of the patient.
Cataract surgery: Safe driving again with an artificial lens
It is not only the desire to finally be able to drive again safely and without restrictions that speaks in favor of cataract treatment with cataract surgery. It is the only way to reverse the progressive clouding of the lens and finally be able to see normally again. It is now only a short, painless and extremely safe procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis.
The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a modern artificial lens. You should avoid driving immediately after cataract surgery. Depending on your recovery, you may be able to drive safely again within a few days of the operation – your surgeon will be able to tell you more.
Never wear visual aids while driving again with multifocal lenses
As with EyeLaser, we recommend premium multifocal lenses to our patients. In contrast to monofocal lenses, these have several focal points, which has the advantage that not only the cataract is cured, but also all existing visual defects (short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism) are corrected at the same time.
So if you opt for Lifestyle cataract surgery, you can see clearly again, do without visual aids and drive as you used to – if not better!
Make an appointment now for your cataract surgery at EyeLaser
If you suffer from cataracts yourself and would like to take the step towards a better life, then we look forward to meeting you at the Eye Laser Center Vienna. Either for a free and non-binding aptitude test or for a holistic, non-binding preliminary examination.
We will be happy to accompany you on your way to safe driving after cataract surgery!
Make an appointment now