If you’ve recently had eye surgery, you need to talk to your optometrist about your travel plans. Depending on the type of procedure you had, as well as your symptoms and recovery status, your doctor may advise against air travel for a period of time.
Here’s what you need to know about flying with various eye conditions or while recovering from eye procedures:
Glaucoma Surgery
Whether you underwent peripheral iridotomy, shunt implantation or another surgical procedure for glaucoma, the pressure change from flying isn’t typically a concern to worry about. You should be able to fly the next day. But it’s still important to consult your doctor to get approval just in case.
Retina Repair
If you recently had your retina repaired, you should fly only when your doctor says it’s safe. Your eye doctor has to inject a gas bubble to hold the retina in place during the procedure of repairing retinal detachment. The gas bubble in the eye can expand dangerously if the patient flies, goes scuba diving or undergoes any other major air pressure change. This can cause serious damage and even blindness.
Flashes and floaters
Yes, you can fly with flashes and floaters. Flying generally won’t make your flashes or floaters worse, but flashes and floaters can still be a serious sign of a potentially blinding retinal detachment or other related retina issues. See your trusted ophthalmologist right away if you have a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, preferably before your flight.
Corneal Transplant
Just like having a retina repair, an air or gas bubble is placed in the eye as part of cornea transplant surgery. Flying while you have an air bubble in your eye is not recommended because it’s extremely dangerous. Talk to your trusted eye doctor about air travel if you’ve had a corneal transplant.
Whether you need reliable eye care or contact lenses, consider our services offered at Nova Vision Center. Give us a call at (703) 578-3600 for more information. You can also request an appointment through our convenient online form. We serve Alexandria, Arlington and nearby VA areas.