How long you should wait before flying after cataract surgery isn’t as straightforward as saying, “Wait 24 hours”, or “Leave it for a couple of weeks”. Yes, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) says it’s OK to jump on a plane 24 hours after your op… Maybe your auntie/sister/cousin/neighbor’s cat did just that, but just because it’s possible doesn’t mean that you should.
If you’re considering air travel after any eye surgery, then the ONLY person you should be listening to is your doctor.
This is because:
- Your operation is unique: Nobody has eyes like yours, and no one’s body deals with trauma and healing in the way that yours does.
- You don’t know how you’re going to feel after the surgery: You may have barely any post-op symptoms, but you won’t know until the time. You might feel pretty rubbish and, even if you don’t, you need to refrain from lifting or bending forward—something that you might inadvertently do when, for instance, putting your cabin bag into the overhead locker.
- Flying takes you further away from your surgeon: if you were to suffer any unexpected after-effects in the early days following surgery, you’re going to want to be treated by the ophthalmologist who performed your operation. If you’ve taken a flight, then you’ll be a considerable distance away and, if you need help, you’ll have to get it from someone else.
Your surgeon will consider your personal situation when advising how long you should reasonably wait before taking a flight.
5 Air Travel Tips and Post-Op Cataract Precautions
- Whether it’s 24 hours or after a few weeks’ recovery, there are steps that you can take to minimize discomfort and ensure you’re in the best position for hassle-free air travel.
- Carry extra eye lubrication: Airplane atmospheres are typically very dry, thanks to air conditioning and the continuously filtered air. The eyedrops you’ll be given to use after your cataract operation also make your eyes dry and the tissue trauma can also decrease tear production. This can be combated by using artificial tears during the flight. Speak to your surgeon for advice on which to use.
- Be prepared for slight discomfort: The above-mentioned dryness can increase the likelihood of grittiness, tired eyes, or even extra swelling. This can raise the temptation to touch or rub your eyes. But, in a word, don’t… Using artificial tears is the way to reduce such symptoms, not touching or dabbing at your eyes, which can introduce dirt, bacteria, and increase the chance of infection.
- Plan for success: Other steps you can take to minimize discomfort include drinking plenty of water, ditching the G&T (alcohol increases dehydration), trying to nap (or closing your eyes, at least), and closing the air vents so you don’t have a breeze directed towards your face. If bright lights are bothering you, wear a pair of sunglasses or a sleep mask.
- Check your travel insurance: While most policies won’t restrict you from flying, there will probably be a clause if you travel against medical advice.
- Make sure you know the difference between expected recovery symptoms and anything out of the ordinary: Your surgeon is best placed to advise you about this. However, causes for concern would be increasing or sudden pain, significant swelling, worsening vision, bleeding, or any symptoms that get worse, rather than better.
Most ophthalmologists recommend that you wait until after your first follow-up appointment before flying. For higher-risk or more complex cataract procedures, this might be a little longer. Remember that your eye will still be healing, so you should take care that the eye is allowed to adequately rest during that time.
The Modern Cataract Surgery clinic is happy to give their patients detailed advice about flying after cataract surgery.
Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com and call today to book a consultation.
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