Can a Driver Operate a Vehicle After Receiving a Refractive Surgery Procedure?

Excimer laser surgery is the most common surgical procedure for treating myopia in China. Over the decades since its introduction, the surgery has become increasingly mature, with relatively low side effects. However, it is crucial to understand certain considerations after undergoing excimer laser surgery to ensure optimal outcomes. For instance, drivers are typically advised not to drive immediately after the procedure to avoid potential accidents.

Although individuals who undergo myopia surgery can see clearly immediately after the procedure, theoretically, they should be able to drive once their vision has recovered. However, the anesthetic eye drops used during the treatment can cause some blurring of vision for a few hours after the surgery. Therefore, while it is possible for patients to drive themselves to the hospital for the surgery, it is not recommended that they drive home alone after the procedure. Patients planning to drive to the hospital for surgery are advised to arrange for a licensed driver to accompany them and drive them back home after the surgery.

Excimer laser surgery involves the use of excimer lasers to perform refractive cutting on the stromal layer under the corneal flap, thereby reducing the corneal curvature in the pupillary area and correcting myopia. This procedure can correct myopia ranging from 200 to 2000 degrees and is a commonly used surgical technique for correcting high-degree myopia based on current clinical observations.

Suitable candidates for excimer laser surgery typically include individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Relatively stable refractive state in the past two years (with no significant changes in degree)
• No contraindications for LASIK, such as active inflammation in the eye (e.g., acute conjunctivitis, keratitis), keratoconus, glaucoma, severe dry eye syndrome, severely poor corrected vision in patients with severe amblyopia, scarring constitution, diabetes, collagen diseases, exophthalmos, incomplete eyelid closure, or patients with only one eye.