Better to make sure you have perfect vision before you hit the road. However, some ophthalmologic examinations interfere with vision, such as examining the fundus of the eye.

Driving depends almost entirely on our visual sense, so French legislation imposes constraints on its drivers. The standard requires, for light-sized cars, to have a binocular acuity (with both eyes) greater than or equal to 5/10. It is not a grade like the school grades, but a fraction of acuity. An eye with correct vision sees at 10/10, and the best can go up to 20/10.

To drive, you therefore need an acuity of both eyes of 5/10, or at least one of the two eyes at 5/10 if the second is at 1/10. Short-sighted, hyperopic or astigmatic people with insufficient visual acuity can however drive if they are in possession of corrective optical instruments (glasses or lenses). Their presence and use is mandatory while driving, as specified in their driving license.

Eye exams are not all the same and will not have the same impact on vision. If a simple control of conjunctivitis allows you to resume the road when leaving, it will not be the same for an examination of the fundus of the eye.

Safe driving exams:

Overall, the examination with an ophthalmologist does not require you to take a taxi again. If your meeting consists only of a simple dialogue, you will of course be fit to lead to the exit!

There are different scenarios out of which driving will be safe:

• After a visual acuity test

These exams consist of measuring your visual capacity. They most often take place in the ophthalmologist’s office, and simply require reading letters located on a panel a few meters away. The only exception to driving out: if your level has dropped below 5/10^st acuity.

• After an eyeball exam

The examination consists of studying the periphery of the eye, for example its conjunctiva in case of conjunctivitis. This inflammation being localized on the surface, or at the level of the eyelids, the ophthalmologist will use a simple lamp to illuminate the area. After the exam, the discomfort should pass within a few minutes. You can, however, wait a bit if you find that your eye is still a little “dazzled”, even when you close your eyelids.

Driving not recommended: after a fundus examination

Examination of the fundus of the eye

The fundus examination is carried out in stages

• The dilation of the iris

In order to observe the back of the eye, and especially the retina, the ophthalmologist will first have to make it visible. For this, we must prevent our iris to close. The iris retracts as soon as it feels too much light, in order to protect the retina from being overexposed. As part of an examination, this property must be (briefly) neutralized using a chemical agent, such asatropine or drops of mydriatic eye drops

• The examination using a lamp

Once the iris is dilated, the ophthalmologist can begin the actual examination. He can then use a ophthalmoscope, or a glass with three mirrors (like the one called Volk), in order to scrutinize the back of the eye. It is during this exam that things get really bad for driving. This is because although the experience is completely painless for the patient, the retina receives an unusual beam of light. A bit like when we get up in the morning and look outside in the sun: our eyes are dazzled, and naturally close. Here, it cannot be closed, and the light therefore has time to overload the retina at the back of the eye with information. This results in a visual discomfort lasting one to two hours, during which the patient will have the feeling of seeing a luminous spot in the center of the eye (even closed eyelids). Such a gene obviously leads to a loss of driving ability, and it is therefore recommended to wait for the effect to wear off before getting back behind the wheel.

What about surgical operations?

A visit to the ophthalmologist can also consist of an examination. Some prevent driving in the hours that follow.

• After an operation of the cataract: it is forbidden to drive within 12 hours of the operation.
• After an operation at laser : driving may be authorized, but this depends on the severity of the condition being treated (myopia or astigmatism). The ideal is to ask the ophthalmologist (if he does not tell you about it himself!)

Eye examinations may cause temporary discomfort in vision. Those who scan the eye on the surface are generally safe. On the other hand, those which illuminate the back of the eye prevent driving in the hours which follow. Operations, on the other hand, can also lead to an inability to drive. Finally, it is better to resume driving first during the day rather than at night so as not to risk dazzling.