Cataract · driving · the legal standard
Can I drive with cataracts?
Often, yes — for a while. The law sets a standard for driving; a cataract is a slow thing; the question is where you are on the way between the two. We test you against the actual standard and tell you plainly.
The standard
You must read a number plate at twenty metres and reach 6/12 on the chart with both eyes together, with glasses if you need them, and have an adequate field of vision. That’s it. A cataract that still lets you do that is legal to drive with; one that doesn’t isn’t, whatever the hospital has said about surgery timing.
Why night driving goes first
A cataract scatters light. Oncoming headlights starburst, wet roads glare, and you feel unsafe at night long before you fail the standard in daylight. That’s real, and it’s a reason to have surgery sooner rather than later — but it’s not, on its own, the legal line.
“Not ready for surgery yet”
The hospital means the cataract isn’t yet affecting your daily life enough. If it is affecting your driving, say so — that changes the decision. We’ll write to them if it helps.
What we do
A full test against the driving standard, the cataract graded, and a plain answer: fine to drive, fine by day but think about night, or not at the moment. A letter for the DVLA or the hospital if you need one. And for the meantime, the lenses that reduce glare.
Guides on this
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- What happens at an eye test — forty-five minutes, step by stepIf it’s been years, or you’ve only ever had a short one, here’s the whole forty-five minutes — so nothing’s a surprise.
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- Cataracts: when to have surgery, and what to expect afterNearly everyone who lives long enough gets a cataract. The operation is one of the safest and commonest in medicine. The only real question
- Diabetes and your eyes: what the yearly check looks forDiabetes damages the small vessels at the back of the eye without any symptoms until late. You’re entitled to two checks a year — the screen
Five clinics across Greater Manchester, Cheshire & West Yorkshire
Every Book button on this page comes here. Choose your practice — the number appears on the one you pick.
Book a Dry Eye Assessment — Cheadle 0161 428 3717
Book a Dry Eye Assessment — Middleton 0161 653 0771
Book a Dry Eye Assessment — Heald Green 0161 437 3400
Book a Dry Eye Assessment — Winsford 01606 599030
Book a Dry Eye Assessment — Heckmondwike 01924 403617
Gland Scan: £15 with any eye examination (included in our Gold eye examination).