Can you get CDL after cataract surgery ?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by dennisroc, Mar 17, 2014.

  1. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,104
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
    I don't know too much about laser, the one laser they fired at the eye was to burn off scarring tissue post surgery. From what I understand, everything is part of Obamacare now. Not necessarily directly.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. dptrucker

    dptrucker Road Train Member

    4,562
    2,999
    May 14, 2012
    adelanto,ca.
    0
    T
    Doc used laser to cut out cataract on the rear lens of my left eye. She just cut a square out of the rear membrane lens
    During my detached retina surgery, doc used laser to repair a tear in the retina
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  4. Doc W

    Doc W Light Load Member

    167
    101
    Jan 17, 2012
    Eastern Oklahoma
    0
    Not everyone...

    My wife works for a certain "Indian Nation" here in Oklahoma, and well, since they are a separate nation... they are exempt from Obamacare. That's why we only pay $120.00 a MONTH for full coverage BCBS Medical, Dental, RX, and Vision!! And that's for both my wife and me! I told her to never quit that job :D:)
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  5. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

    7,162
    6,734
    Sep 25, 2007
    Rosamond, SoCal
    0
    I had the right eye, lens replacement & cat removal, The left eye scheduled for this Thursday, be glad to have it over.

    I did not realize how bad my vision had become, but pretty much was legally blind when I could not pass the eye exam. Could not read freeway signs, in general. Morning Sun or bright lights were terrible. Computer was almost impossible to read the screen, now perfectly clear.

    Right eye now at 20/20. may end up using Walmart special glasses for reading only.

    Cost without insurance about 3200.00 per eye.
    Surgery takes about 20 minutes, My Doc uses twlight sleep, I woke up feeling like had real refreshing nap, knowing nothing of the surgery, except immediately I could see clearly.

    Dr. Ira is the best. AV Eye center very professional, and clean.

    If you have issues dont worry, And yes as long as you can pass the Physical, eye surgery wont hinder your cdl, it will improve your abilities.

    Be glad to go back to work, told my boss I wanted on our Mojave to Phoenix loads

    Sorry for the length
     
    bottomdumpin and x1Heavy Thank this.
  6. Doc W

    Doc W Light Load Member

    167
    101
    Jan 17, 2012
    Eastern Oklahoma
    0
    Glad it went well for ya!!

    Had my right eye done with laser cat, and boy I didn't know what to expect. 1st couple days were weird... but, could see - for the 1st time without glasses - our digital clock across the bedroom! I was like a little kid in a candy store, and have been ever since! Had my last post-op visit yesterday, and my vision in the lasered eye is 20/15!!! I see like an eagle now! But I have to have readers too. But, don't get Wal-Mart specials, they are cheap and actually aren't good for your eyes. Either go to your Optometrist and get prescription readers, or order your strength online from a reputable place, and like my surgeon and optometrist said... on anything you wear, get at least full UV protection and polarized if you can. I have a nice pair of readers in +2.25 that are UV coated and have Blue Block too! A mist have for phones, Tabs, PC's, etc. All my sunglasses are UVA, UVB and polarized. Makes a world of difference! I even have one pair of sunglasses now that are UVA, UVB and have reading bifocals in them, and man are the great!

    I have a contact in my left eye for now, because with a blank lense in my right and prescription in left... I was seeing double and could not handle that!

    Left eye on the 26th, and boy I can't wait!!!

    The only real pain is... 5 nights with that patch taped on, not sleeping in my bed, but in a recliner, no lifting or stooping below waist for 7 days and of course all those drops for a month!! But, it's been well worth the price and wait!!

    Oh, I forgot... I was 1 of 5 "guinea pigs" for one of their surgeons to get certified on this advanced laser... so the laser part was FREE... $1595.00 per eye for free!! With my wife's insurance, all we had to pay out of pocket was just under $700 for the whole thing for both eyes! God surely blessed!!
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2018
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  7. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,753
    31,571
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    This is the best answer. There are no FMCSA rules that say a driver is disqualified because of cataract surgery. On the subject of medical standards I strongly recommend downloading and saving this PDF.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  8. Doc W

    Doc W Light Load Member

    167
    101
    Jan 17, 2012
    Eastern Oklahoma
    0
    Oh contraire driver!

    DOT regs clearly state that if your vision is 20/40 or greater, your Dr. must disqualify you until corrected.

    If a cataract has progressed for a while, I can assure you that the vision depletes past 20/40. And my night vision sucked!! I was becoming dangerous at night, and knew I had to do something! In fact, my docs all said that my glare test, especially for night vision, was "off the charts". I, like many others, had no choice but get the surgery, or... quit driving.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2018
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  9. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,753
    31,571
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    READ MY WORDS. I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A CATARACT! I SAID CATARACT SURGERY.
     
  10. Doc W

    Doc W Light Load Member

    167
    101
    Jan 17, 2012
    Eastern Oklahoma
    0
    Ok... I deleted this part...
    My bad driver. I read your message as saying that cataract surgery was unnecessary. And I know personally that just ain't true. ;-)

    So... for everyone else... if your vision is above 20/40, your DOT Dr. should disqualify you until repaired or corrected. I know first hand how dangerous it can be out there with vision issues. I knew something was up, but found myself denying it, or making excuses like, I'm just tired, etc. Please don't let that happen to you!! Cataract surgery at least, is no biggie, and you'll love the results! Just make sure you have a very good Dr!

    From that above document you just posted... from page 74, 75 and 76...

    Ask about:
    Retinopathy.
    Cataracts.
    Aphakia.
    Glaucoma.
    Macular degeneration.
    Medical examiners cannot diagnose these diseases or conditions because most do not
    have the equipment necessary to diagnose them.
    Required Tests
    Required vision screening tests include central visual acuity, peripheral vision, and color
    vision.
    Central visual acuity
    The Snellen chart or the Titmus Vision Tester measure static central vision acuity. The
    requirement for central distant visual acuity is at least 20/40 in each eye and distant
    binocular visual acuity of at least 20/40. Test results must be recorded in Snellen-
    comparable values.
    Eyeglasses or contact lenses may be worn to meet distant visual acuity requirements.
    When corrective lenses are worn to meet vision qualification requirements, corrective
    lenses must be worn while driving.
    Certification and Documentation
    The qualified driver meets all of the following requirements:
    Distant acuity of at least 20/40 in each
    eye, Binocular acuity of at least 20/40,
    Horizontal field of vision of at least 70° measured in each eye, and
    The ability to recognize and distinguish among traffic control signals and
    devices showing standard red, amber, and green colors.
    The medical examiner may certify the driver for up to 2 years.
    The driver who wears corrective lenses to meet the vision qualification requirements
    must wear corrective lenses while driving. The medical examiner marks the "wearing
    corrective lenses" checkbox on both the Medical Examination Report form and the
    medical examiner's certificate. The examiner should advise the driver to carry a spare set
    of eyeglasses. The driver avoids both stress and delay when lost or damaged eyeglasses or
    uncomfortable contact lenses can be replaced immediately.
    And... on page 82...
    Cataract vision
    (simulation)
    Cataracts are a common cause of visual disturbances in the adult population. The slow,
    progressive opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye distorts the optical passage of
    light to the retina resulting in diminished visual acuity. Cataract formation can be
    accelerated by a number of conditions, including injury, exposure to radiation, gout,
    certain medications (steroids), and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
    Glare, particularly during night driving in the face of oncoming headlights, may be an
    early symptom of cataracts. Glare, diminished overall acuity, contrast, and color
    resolution are compounded by the light-scattering effect of the cataracts.
    Treatment for cataracts is surgical removal and placement of an intraocular lens.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2018
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  11. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    14,753
    31,571
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    It should go unsaid that you are not qualified to drive while recovering. However once recovered from cataract surgery your qualified to drive if you meet the vision standards.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.