Can You Travel Before After Laser Cataract Surgery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes, you can fly if you have posterior vitreous detachment

(when the gel-like liquid inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the back of the eye). There is nothing about flying that would make a posterior vitreous detachment worse. However, PVD can lead to retinal detachment.

What are the restrictions after laser cataract surgery?

You will need to

avoid heavy lifting (more than 20 pounds) for a week after your procedure

. You will also need to avoid eye makeup and swimming for two weeks (including hot tubs.) Water can introduce infectious bacteria and germs, and your eye will be more prone to infection while recovering.

Can you fly after laser cataract surgery?

Flying After Cataract Surgery

Flying poses no risk to your vision after cataract surgery.

You are safe to fly as soon as your procedure has been completed

.

Can I travel after laser surgery?

Conclusion. So, can you fly after LASIK? The short answer is yes.

Most doctors don’t see a problem with laser eye surgery and flying

, but you’ll want to check with yours to get their specific recommendation.

Can I holiday after cataract surgery?


Normal cataract surgery would not pose any problems for air travel, even right away

. Once your doctor has cleared you for normal activities, flying is fine.

Can I travel by car after cataract surgery?

Driving After Cataract Surgery


You can resume driving as soon as you feel comfortable doing so

. Most patients find that their vision improves significantly 24 hours after surgery and they feel confident safely getting behind the wheel.

Can I travel after eye surgery?

The answer in short is

yes, in almost all cases

. Eye conditions which prevent safe air travel are rare. However, if you have a recent onset of light flashes and/or new floaters, have your eyes examined prior to travel to rule out a retinal tear or detachment, especially if you are traveling to a remote location.

Can I fly after laser iridotomy?


There is no problem in flying 24 hours after having undergone a peripheral laser irridotomy

(IPL), a trabeculoplasty or any other type of surgery for glaucoma. However, we recommend to ask your ophthalmologist before flying.

How many days rest is needed after cataract surgery?

Most people are able to return to work or their normal routine in

1 to 3 days

. After your eye heals, you may still need to wear glasses, especially for reading. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover.

How long does laser cataract surgery take?

The surgery takes from

15 to 20 minutes

, and you should expect little or no discomfort. During the laser portion, patients describe seeing a kaleidoscope of lights and feel only slight pressure.

How long does it take to heal from cataract laser surgery?

The vast majority of patients achieve improved, sharper vision, but this change is not necessarily immediate. Although some patients see well just a few days after cataract surgery, full healing can take

up to three months

.

Can I get the tube after laser eye surgery?

The first 24 hours

For the first few hours, your vision can be a little foggy or blurry, so rest and keep your eyes closed during this time. It’s advised to get picked up from the clinic by a friend.

Later in the day, we strongly recommend not taking the underground

, but taxis and overground trains are permissible.

Do and don’ts before cataract surgery?

Some Don’ts: Things to Avoid


Avoiding eating and drinking before your surgery

. Don’t wear makeup to the surgery appointment, and avoid wearing makeup until your ophthalmologist allows it so that you can better prevent infection. Avoid getting irritants in your eyes.

How long does it take for blurriness to go away after cataract surgery?

It is possible that your vision could take

one to two weeks

to adjust and settle. The eye must adapt to the new intraocular lens that has replaced the lens.

Can I watch TV after cataract surgery?


Several hours following the surgery, most patients are able to watch some television or look at a computer screen for a short period of time

. It’s important however that you don’t over-exert your eyes during the first 24 hours post-surgery. You can expect to return to most normal activities during the first week.

Does altitude affect cataract surgery?


High altitude and air travel pose no problems after cataract or glaucoma surgery

.

What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery?

  • Driving. For at least 24 hours after cataract surgery, you shouldn’t drive. …
  • Wearing Makeup. Makeup is so much fun, but it is also full of bacteria. …
  • Performing Strenuous Activities. …
  • Going Near Dirty or Dusty Areas. …
  • Swimming. …
  • Forgetting Your Sunglasses. …
  • Rubbing Your Eye.

Does flying affect eye pressure?


Air travel rarely has any effect on intraocular pressure

(IOP). Because the air pressure within the cabin is carefully regulated as the plane ascends and descends, there is little change in eye pressure. Air travel does affect the volume of gases in the air.

How soon can you fly after retinal detachment surgery?

Following retinal detachment surgery, it is important that flying is

completely avoided until your eye has fully healed

. This is usually for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery but possibly longer after some retinal detachment surgeries. Sometimes during surgery a gas bubble is used to help keep the retina in place.

Can you fly after an eye injection?


You are able to fly immediately after an injection

but if complications occur you will not be able to get swift access to your hospital eye unit. Most problems occur within 24 hours so allow a day or two before flying.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.