Vision plays a central role in daily life, and one of the first questions many people have after PRK surgery is: When will I be able to drive again? The answer depends on several factors, including how quickly your eyes heal, your comfort level, and how your vision stabilizes in the days following surgery.
This guide explains what to expect after PRK, when you might be able to drive safely again, and how your recovery process affects your vision in the first week and beyond.
Understanding PRK Recovery
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision correction surgery that reshapes the surface of your eye to help you see more clearly. Unlike LASIK, the PRK procedure does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the thin outer layer of the cornea is gently removed before the laser treatment begins.
This difference means recovery takes a bit longer because your eye surface needs time to heal before vision stabilizes. Most people experience gradual improvement over several days, though some may need a bit longer before their sight feels steady enough for tasks like driving.
The First 24 to 48 Hours
Immediately after surgery, your vision will be hazy or blurry. You may also notice light sensitivity, tearing, or mild discomfort. These are normal signs that your eyes are healing.
Your doctor will provide special contact lenses, known as bandage lenses, to protect your eyes and keep them comfortable while the surface cells grow back. During this time, your vision will not be clear enough to drive. Even short trips can feel challenging, so it’s best to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help with errands for the first few days.
Avoid any visual tasks that require precision, like reading small print or looking at bright screens for long periods. Resting your eyes during the first 24 to 48 hours helps your vision recover more smoothly.
Vision During the First Week
Your eyesight typically begins to improve within the first week. Around day three or four, some patients notice clearer vision, though it may still fluctuate throughout the day. Bright lights, glare, and halos may also appear more intense than usual.
Driving during this stage is not recommended unless your doctor specifically clears you to do so. Your ability to react to road conditions relies on stable vision, and even minor blurriness can affect depth perception, especially at night.
Most patients have their first post-operative checkup within the first few days after surgery. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes, check healing progress, and determine whether it’s safe for you to resume driving.
When Can You Safely Drive Again?
For most people, the average time to resume driving after PRK is about three to seven days. However, this timeline can vary. Some may feel ready sooner, while others may need a bit longer before their vision reaches driving standards.
Your eye doctor’s approval is the most reliable indicator. During your follow-up visit, your vision will be tested to confirm that you meet the legal driving requirements and that your eyes are healing properly.
If your eyes are still sensitive to light or your vision feels inconsistent, it’s wise to wait. Driving too soon can strain your eyes and slow down recovery. Clear vision and comfort should always come before convenience.
Why Driving Too Soon Can Be Risky
Even though PRK recovery is safe and predictable, driving prematurely can pose challenges. Glare from headlights or sunlight may appear stronger. Depth perception may feel slightly off. Your focus might shift quickly between clear and blurry vision.
These short-term effects are normal but can make driving less safe. Waiting until your doctor confirms that your eyes are ready helps prevent unnecessary strain. It also allows you to experience your improved vision without discomfort or worry.
Remember, PRK outcomes are long-lasting. Taking a few extra days off from driving is a small investment in the quality of your future sight.
Night Driving After PRK
Driving during the day often feels easier to resume than driving at night. After PRK, many patients report sensitivity to light and seeing halos around bright sources, especially in dim lighting. These effects can last several weeks and gradually fade as the eyes continue to heal.
If your doctor has cleared you to drive, but you still find night driving uncomfortable, start with short distances in familiar areas. Use anti-glare lenses or polarized sunglasses during the day to reduce brightness sensitivity. Over time, your eyes will adapt, and night vision will improve naturally.
What to Expect at Follow-Up Visits
Your post-operative appointments play a major role in determining when you can drive safely again. Typically, you’ll visit your eye doctor within one or two days after surgery, then again after a week, a month, and several months later.
During these visits, your doctor will:
- Check how well your corneal surface is healing
- Measure your visual clarity
- Assess your comfort level
- Remove your bandage contact lens (usually after four or five days)
- Evaluate whether your vision meets the standard for driving
You’ll receive personalized guidance based on how your eyes are responding. Some people may notice one eye healing slightly faster than the other, which is normal. Your doctor’s advice is the best way to determine whether you’re ready for activities like driving or working on a computer for long hours.
Managing Light Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light is common after PRK and may affect your comfort behind the wheel, especially on sunny days or under bright headlights at night. Wearing sunglasses outdoors can make a significant difference. Choose lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and offer good coverage from all angles.
At home, use softer lighting and limit screen brightness. Avoid staring at glowing screens for long periods without breaks. These simple adjustments help your eyes adjust gradually without added strain.
Vision Stabilization Over the Next Few Weeks
While you may be able to drive safely within a week, your vision will continue improving for several more weeks. Most patients achieve stable, clear sight within one to three months after PRK.
During this time, your doctor might adjust your eye drop schedule or recommend using artificial tears to keep your eyes comfortable. Fluctuations in clarity, dryness, or mild haze are common but temporary. Patience is key; your eyes are still refining their focus.
How to Know You’re Ready to Drive
Before you start driving again, check a few simple signs that your vision is ready:
- You can read street signs clearly from a normal distance
- You can shift focus between near and far objects easily
- You no longer notice frequent glare or halos during the day
- Your doctor has confirmed your vision meets the driving requirement
If any of these still feel inconsistent, give your eyes more time. A clear, confident vision should be your goal before returning to the road.
Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to Driving
Once you’re cleared to drive, start slow. Take short drives in familiar areas before tackling longer routes or night drives. Keep sunglasses in your car, avoid dusty or windy conditions that might irritate your eyes, and always use your prescribed drops as directed.
Some patients prefer waiting an extra day or two after medical clearance to feel fully comfortable. Trust your instincts, your comfort, and clarity matter more than rushing back to normal routines.
If at any point your vision feels strained, blurry, or unusually dry, contact your eye doctor right away. Early communication helps prevent complications and keeps recovery on track.
Key Takeaways
- Most patients can resume driving about five to seven days after PRK, once cleared by their eye doctor.
- Early recovery includes temporary blurriness, light sensitivity, and mild discomfort; these are normal and short-lived.
- Follow-up visits are essential for confirming your readiness to drive safely.
- Light sensitivity and night vision issues can take a few weeks to stabilize.
- Prioritize comfort, safety, and doctor approval before getting back behind the wheel.
Your vision will continue to sharpen and refine over the coming weeks, giving you the freedom to drive confidently again.
Driving again after PRK marks an exciting step in your recovery. While it may take a few extra days to regain steady vision, the result, clear, stable sight, is well worth the wait. Each person’s healing timeline is slightly different, so focus on progress rather than speed.
Follow your eye doctor’s advice, protect your eyes from harsh light, and give them time to fully adjust. Soon, driving will feel natural again, and you’ll experience the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about PRK Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!