Northeastern Eye Institute cares for the safety, health, and wellbeing of our patients, and we aim to provide the best care and advice for everyone. Understanding the process, purpose, and effects of eye exam visits and treatments can ensure your safety and provide you with an overview of what to expect from your next exam and whether it’s safe for you to drive afterward. When your eyes are ready for driving, you might consider taking one of these top scenic drives in the Scranton, Pennsylvania area.
Can I Drive After an Eye Exam?
Image via Flickr by SqueakyMarmot Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0
Patients can legally drive after dilation treatments with no required wait time, but it’s recommended that patients with extra light sensitivity or blurred vision remain safe by having someone else drive them after the appointment. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal judgment of safety and ability, but we encourage all patients to use caution and ask for a ride if they feel hesitant or unsafe.
Your eye exam can affect your ability to drive depending on the treatments and factors included in your appointment. The purpose behind every eye exam is to examine your eyes to detect early signs of diseases, deterioration, and vision issues. The doctor may also determine whether you need a prescription and at what strength. Learn more about our eye exam processes online to help you prepare for your next appointment.
Many optometrists use eye drops or treatments to dilate your pupils and allow for easier and more effective examination. The dilation of pupils can cause impaired vision and can make it unsafe to drive following your appointment. Dilated pupils can cause your vision to appear unfocused, sensitive to light, and blurred for extended periods of time. Most patients remain dilated for four to six hours, and more sensitive patients may see effects for up to 24 hours after the initial application.
Scenic Drives and Day Trips From Scranton
Once your dilated treatments fade and your vision gets back to normal, you can once again drive safely and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Here’s a list of some of the best scenic drives and exciting day trips in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, area.
Big Pocono State Park
Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County offers over 1,300 acres of natural land and preserves with areas for driving, hiking, hunting, biking, and observation. Visitors can drive through the perimeter of the park and enjoy the views of the Camelback Mountains. Individuals who hike or walk through the mountains can take advantage of the altitude and outlook to provide a view of three states from one location.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls in Bushkill provides guests with famous, historic, and natural scenery, views, and trails. Individuals can drive around the edge of the park and enjoy the tree lines, open fields, and beautiful lake. The park includes eight waterfalls situated in the wooded environment of the Pocono Mountains. Guests can follow established paths with bridges and outlooks for a clear and up-close view of the waterfalls, woods, and mountains. The park also includes activities for families or individuals such as fishing, gem mining, animal information centers, and boat rentals.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
The Delaware Water Gap in Bushkill is a National State Park with experiences and activities on both sides of the Delaware River in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Visitors can hike, boat, fish, bike, and camp in the park. Various centers, plaques, and pamphlets throughout the park provide information about the history and nature of the Delaware River to provide guests with an educational experience and appreciation of the area. Individuals can drive through some roads, paths, and areas of the water gap for a scenic and peaceful experience.
Hersheypark
Hersheypark offers a fun and exciting day trip from the city of Scranton. Located over in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hersheypark is a vast amusement park and experience featuring the home and former factory of the famous Hershey’s chocolate company. The park features experiences for the whole family with famous roller coasters, chocolate-themed games, and chocolate bar characters throughout the park. Guests can also enjoy the water park and nearby attractions such as Hershey’s Chocolate World, which takes visitors on a guided tour of the chocolate factory processes and includes a gift shop full of Hershey products, souvenirs, and candies.
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most diverse and scenic natural environments. The park includes more than 13,000 acres of land in multiple counties and features wooded areas, mountains, hillsides, waterfalls, and a beach all in one park.
Visitors can explore the sandy shores and swim in the calm waters of Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen or follow a hiking trail for close-up views of the park’s many waterfalls, wildlife, and rock formations. Guests with all interests can find something to explore and enjoy at Ricketts Glen State Park and the vast area of the park can provide multiple days of adventure and entertainment.
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is an amusement park and campsite located in the quiet town of Elysburg. The park includes rides, roller coasters, swimming areas, games, mini-golf, and nature trails for visitors and campers. Families can find something for everyone to enjoy with the various rides, food, shows, stores, and trails at Knoebels for a fun day trip full of excitement and entertainment for all ages. Knoebels offers free admission with paid rides and games and operates as a family-owned business local to the Pennsylvania area.
These are just a few of the most exciting drives and trips for adventurers and families in the greater Scranton area. Ensuring your safety, vision, and ability to drive can help you get the most out of your days and keep everyone around you safe. At Northeastern Eye Institute, our team of professionals can answer all your questions and perform extensive exams and treatments to keep your vision as clear as possible. Book your next exam today for the best eye care in the area.