Index
Many patients ask questions about the possibility of traveling by plane after having had an eye surgery or having been diagnosed with an eye disease. In the article you will find a series of comprehensive answers to the problem of flight
Unlike gas, however, there are generally no contraindications to flying if silicone oil has been introduced into the eye.
In any case, it is always necessary to ask your ophthalmologist for authorization to leave.
Can i fly after retinal surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery you have undergone. As for photocoagualtive laser treatments for retinal degenerations or small retinal tears, it is not risky to travel, while in the case of vitrectomy with the introduction of expandable gas into the eye, travel by plane is prohibited until the gas bubble it has completely reabsorbed. The absolute prohibition arises from the fact that the gas bubble in the eye can expand dangerously due to the change in pressure due to the non-perfectly pressurized environment of the plane during the flight. Uncontrolled expansion of gas within the eye can cause serious eye damage.
Unlike gas, however, there are generally no contraindications to flying if silicone oil has been introduced into the eye.
In any case, it is always necessary to ask your ophthalmologist for authorization to leave.
Can i fly after having cataract surgery?
Normally, cataract surgery does not pose problems to travel by plane, the important thing is that your ophthalmologist has provided you with the information necessary for the therapy to be followed in the post-operative course.
When can I fly after having glaucoma surgery?
Whether you have undergone an iridotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, or trabeculectomy, the pressure change due to flight is usually not a problem. You should be able to leave the day after the surgery, but it is absolutely necessary to talk to your ophthalmologist about your particular case, also to plan the following check-ups and the most appropriate therapy.
Is it possible to fly after cornea transplant surgery?
In some cases, a gas bubble may be introduced as part of the cornea transplant surgery, in which case flying is prohibited. Your ophthalmologist will then advise you on the right time to leave.
Can I fly if I have been diagnosed with peripheral retinal holes or peripheral retinal degenerations?
Air travel does not in itself worsen the diagnosed retinal condition, however peripheral retinal degenerations and retinal holes can sometimes develop into retinal detachment if underestimated. In this regard, before organizing a trip, it is good to discuss the therapy to be carried out with your ophthalmologist.
Can I fly if after an eye examination I still have dilated pupils due to the drugs used?
Of course, just bring a pair of sunglasses with you, as with dilated pupils it may be more sensitive to light sources.
Can I fly if I have had a pterygium removal or eyelid lift surgery?
It is possible to take a flight after having undergone extraocular surgery (ptosis surgery, eyelid lift) or removal of a pterygium (abnormal growth of the conjunctiva on the cornea). The important thing to remember, before traveling, is to keep your eye clean with special medical devices that your ophthalmologist will recommend, to be used, if necessary, even during the trip.
Is it safe to fly if I am diagnosed with keratitis?
There are no contraindications to flying if you are diagnosed with keratitis. But the dry air inside the plane can accentuate the symptoms (abundant tearing, red eye, pain, photophobia, foreign body sensation, blurred vision), in this regard it is recommended, in addition to the therapy already prescribed by your doctor, prepare the eye with tear replacement therapy (single-dose artificial tears), which will need to be instilled several times during the trip.
Can I fly if I have been diagnosed with posterior vitreous detachment?
There are no contraindications to flying if you have been diagnosed with posterior vitreous detachment. However, it is good to talk to your doctor about your pathology and what it could entail, since sometimes the detachment of the vitreous, exerting traction in the areas where it is most adherent to the retinal surface, can cause a break in the retina which, if left untreated, can develop into a real retinal detachment, which requires immediate treatment.
Can I fly if I perceive flying flies (glass floaters) and flashes?
Vitreous floaters accompanied by flashes can be the prelude to a vitreous detachment with possible retinal breaks, therefore it is useful, before flying, to consult your doctor to avoid the occurrence of a complication (retinal break - retinal detachment) can happen while you are traveling.
