How Long Before You Can Travel After Cataract Surgery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

You are safe to fly as soon as your procedure has been completed . The primary concern is access to follow-up care and continued caution in daily activities until you have fully healed.

How long after a cataract operation before you can fly?

As a rough guide, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that before flying, you should allow: 1 day after simple cataract or corneal laser surgery . 1 day after a colonoscopy. 1 to 2 days after keyhole surgery.

How long do you have to stay home 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.

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.

Do and don’ts after cataract surgery?

do not drive until you get the all-clear from your doctor . do not do any strenuous exercise or housework. do not wear eye make-up for at least 4 weeks. do not fly without seeking advice from your doctor.

Can a pilot fly after cataract surgery?

FAA policy now allows pilots who have had cataract surgery with an IOL and those who wear bifocal or multifocal contact lenses to get a medical certificate . Prior to recent advances in manufacturing technology, the FAA did not allow pilots to fly with these implants or contact lenses.

What is the fastest way to recover from cataract surgery?

  1. Don’t drive on the first day.
  2. Don’t do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks.
  3. Immediately after the procedure, avoid bending over, to prevent putting extra pressure on your eye.
  4. If at all possible, don’t sneeze or vomit right after surgery.

What happens the day after cataract surgery?

It’s normal to feel itching and mild discomfort for a couple of days after surgery. Avoid rubbing or pushing on your eye. Your doctor may ask you to wear an eye patch or protective shield the day of surgery.

What happens a day after cataract surgery?

On the day after you have cataract surgery, your vision may be blurry or uneven . This is normal as your vision needs time to adjust and heal. Most cataract surgeons will ask you to come in for your first follow-up appointment the day after cataract surgery. It’s extremely important that you attend this appointment.

How many follow-up appointments after cataract surgery?

Typically, the patient will have one final exam three to six weeks after surgery . This one must include a dilated fundus exam to confirm the patient is well-healed and stable, and also a final postoperative refraction and prescription.

Does altitude affect cataract surgery?

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

How long do cataract lenses last?

A cataract lens will last a lifetime , and the vast majority of patients do not experience any complications with their lenses after cataract surgery.

What are the most common problems after cataract surgery?

  • Blurry vision. ...
  • Dry eye. ...
  • Glare, halos and other unwanted images. ...
  • Light sensitivity. ...
  • Nausea or disorientation. ...
  • Floaters or flashes of lights.
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.