Can you drive after PRK surgery?

Thinking about PRK surgery? One of the first things patients ask is: “How soon can I drive afterward?”

It’s a smart question. Your vision is temporarily affected during the early healing stages, and safety matters—both for you and others on the road.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through when it’s safe to drive again after PRK, why the timeline is different from LASIK, and what signs to watch for before getting behind the wheel.

First things first: You can’t drive home after surgery

Immediately after PRK, your vision will be hazy, your eyes may feel gritty or sensitive, and you'll be wearing a protective bandage contact lens. This means you cannot drive yourself home. You’ll need someone to take you, wait for you, and bring you back safely.

We recommend having a trusted friend or family member assist you—not just with transport, but with support as well.

Why can’t you drive right away?

PRK involves removing the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium). While the laser treatment underneath heals, that surface takes several days to regenerate.

In the first few days:

• Your vision will be blurry
• You may experience light sensitivity
• You may feel mild to moderate discomfort
• Your depth perception may be off
• Your reaction time might be slower

This makes driving unsafe—even if you “feel fine.”

When can most people drive after PRK?

Most patients can drive again around 5 to 7 days after surgery.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Days 1–3: Vision is very blurry. You should avoid screens, reading, and driving.
• Days 4–6: The healing surface starts to settle. Vision begins to clear.
• By day 7: Many people feel comfortable driving short distances—if their vision is clear enough and they’re no longer using strong medications.

How will I know when I can drive safely again?

You’ll come in for a follow-up appointment a few days after surgery. We’ll check your healing, remove the bandage lens (usually by day 5), and assess your vision.

If your vision meets legal driving standards and you feel comfortable, you’ll likely be cleared to drive.

We’ll always give you individualised advice based on your recovery.

Is night driving more difficult after PRK?

Yes—temporarily.

For a few weeks after surgery, you may notice:

• Halos or starbursts around lights
• Increased glare from headlights
• Difficulty judging distance in low light

These symptoms usually improve as your vision stabilises. If night driving feels uncomfortable, stick to daytime driving until you feel fully confident.

Tips for driving after PRK:

• Don’t rush it. Only drive once your surgeon gives you the green light.
• Take it slow. Start with short, familiar routes in daylight.
• Use sunglasses. Protect your eyes from glare and bright light.
• Stay off the road if your vision seems “off.” Even if you’ve been cleared, don’t drive if you’re tired or experiencing symptoms that affect your sight.

LASIK vs. PRK: Why the driving timeline is different

LASIK patients often drive the next day. PRK takes longer because the healing process is slower and more surface-based.

But the end result? Equally clear vision in most cases—just on a different timeline.

Thinking about PRK but not sure what to expect?

Start with our self-test. It’s quick, free, and gives you a better idea of whether PRK is right for you.