If you just had laser eye surgery and want to fly, there are a few things to think about. Can you fly after laser eye surgery? Or is it too soon? This guide explains how soon you can fly, what to watch for, and tips to keep your eyes comfortable on a plane.
Understanding Recovery After Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery helps you see better by changing the shape of your eye. After the surgery, your eyes need time to get better. How long it takes can depend on the type of surgery, like LASIK or SMILE, and how quickly your eyes heal.
While your eyes heal, they are very sensitive and can feel dry or sore. You might need to use eye drops to keep them wet and to stop germs from causing infection. Resting your eyes and avoiding things that could make healing harder is important.
Can You Fly Right After Laser Eye Surgery?
Flying too soon can also make your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. Since your eyes are still healing, they may be more sensitive to the dry air in the plane. This can make your recovery take longer.
Doctors usually say that it’s best to wait at least one week before flying. This gives your eyes time to heal and helps you feel better.
If you need to fly sooner than that, make sure to talk to your eye doctor first. They can give you advice on what’s best for your eyes.
When Is It Safe To Fly After Laser Eye Surgery Procedure?
People may fly about one week after laser eye surgery, but some might need to wait longer. Everyone heals at different speeds, so it’s important to listen to your doctor.
Things That Affect How Soon You Can Fly
- Type Of Surgery: Some types of laser vision correction heal faster than others. For example, if you had LASIK surgery, you might heal faster than with other types of surgery. Your doctor will tell you what to expect based on the type of surgery you had.
- How You Feel: If your eyes feel dry or sore, it’s better to wait until they feel better before flying. If your eyes are still healing, flying could make them feel worse because of the dry air on the plane.
- Doctor’s Advice: Your doctor knows what is best for your eyes. They will tell you when it’s safe for you to fly. It’s important to follow their advice to make sure your eyes heal properly.
How To Prepare For Your Flight After Laser Refractive Surgery
Before flying, it’s very important to get ready for your trip. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your eyes stay comfortable and healthy during your flight:
Plan Ahead
It’s best to plan your flight after you’ve spoken to your doctor. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to fly. They know when your eyes will be ready for travel, so get their approval before booking your flight.
Pack Your Supplies
Make sure to bring everything you might need on the plane to take care of your eyes:
- Preservative-Free Eye Drops: These drops help keep your eyes moist and comfortable. They are especially helpful when flying, as the air inside the plane can be very dry.
- Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses can protect against bright lights, especially in the plane cabin. They can also protect your eyes from dust or other things that might bother them.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, so bring a water bottle. Dry eyes can feel worse if you’re dehydrated, so drink plenty of water before and during the flight.
Rest Well Before Your Flight
Get plenty of sleep the night before you fly. Resting helps you feel better and keeps your body strong.
If you are well-rested, your eyes will feel better during your flight, and you will be more comfortable. Try to take it easy and relax before your trip to make sure you are ready.
Extra Tips For Comfort
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: It can be hard to resist, but try not to rub your eyes. Your eyes are healing, and rubbing them can slow the healing process or cause irritation.
- Stay Relaxed: Try to stay calm and relaxed during the flight. Being stressed or worried can make your eyes feel worse.
Planning ahead and caring for your eyes can make your flight comfortable. Always follow your doctor’s advice and bring the right supplies to keep your eyes healthy.
Why Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
After laser eye surgery, your doctor helps you get better. It’s important to listen to what they say about flying and doing other things. Here’s why:
Everyone Heals Differently
Everyone’s eyes heal at their speed. Some people feel better after one week, but others might need more time. Your doctor knows how your eyes are healing. Always follow what they say to make sure your eyes heal well.
Avoiding Problems
Your doctor can help you stay in check and avoid problems like infections or eye pain. By listening to them about when it’s safe to fly or do other things, your recovery will be easier and better.
Feeling Confident
When you follow your doctor’s advice, you’ll feel good. That’s because you know you’re doing the right things to care for your eyes. If you have any questions or worries, always ask your doctor.
Questions About Flying After Laser Eye Surgery
Can I return to normal activities after flying?
After flying, you might feel ready to jump back into activities like most patients. Yet, you should take things slow. Your eyes are still healing, and it’s best to ease back into your routine. Here’s how you can do that:
- Avoid Straining Your Eyes: Even though you might feel better, your eyes still need time to heal. Avoid things that tire your eyes, like working on the computer for too long or sitting too close to the TV. Try to take breaks and rest your eyes often. This helps them heal faster and feel more comfortable.
- Avoid Contact Sports: Avoid sports or activities where you may get hurt after flying. Football or rugby can be risky because you could hurt your eyes. Since your eyes are healing, they are more sensitive, and you don’t want to take any chances. Wait for your doctor to say it’s okay before getting back to high-risk activities.
- Stay Hydrated: Flying can make your body and eyes feel dry. After your flight, make sure to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep your eyes and body feeling good. It can also help stop your eyes from becoming dry and make your recovery more comfortable. Keep sipping water to feel your best!
Is it safe to wear contact lenses after laser surgery?
You should avoid contact lenses after laser eye surgery until your doctor says it’s fine. Your eyes need time to heal, and wearing contact lenses can slow recovery or cause irritation. But your doctor might suggest wearing a bandage contact lens to protect your eyes.
What if I experience unusual symptoms during or after my flight?
Contact your doctor if you experience pain, dryness, or blurry vision. It’s important to get checked if you notice anything unusual after your surgery.
Can I wear makeup after laser eye surgery?
It’s best to avoid wearing makeup during the first few days of recovery. This helps reduce the risk of infection and ensures your eyes heal.
Can I go swimming after laser eye surgery?
Avoid swimming for a few weeks after surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Your doctor will tell you when it’s okay to return to activities like swimming.
What should I do if I get something in my eye while flying after surgery?
If something gets in your eye while flying, try not to rub it. Use your eye drops and flush the eye with clean water if needed. If discomfort persists or your vision is affected, contact your doctor immediately.
Concluding Thoughts
If you have questions or need more advice about flying after laser eye surgery, Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to help!
Get in touch with Dr Edward Roufail today at (03) 9071 0180. He will make sure you have all the information you need for a smooth recovery!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Boyd K 2023. Laser Surgery Recovery Tubert D, editor. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/laser-surgery-recovery [Accessed November 14, 2024]
Kuhn-Wilken O 2024. Is LASIK safe at altitude? Healio. Available at: https://www.healio.com/news/optometry/20240112/blog-is-lasik-safe-at-altitude [Accessed November 14, 2024]
Meštrović T 2023. LASIK Complications. News-Medical. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/LASIK-Complications.aspx [Accessed November 14, 2024]
Silver N 2021. What Causes Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery, and How to Treat Them. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/dry-eyes-after-lasik [Accessed November 14, 2024]
Tai A, Athena Eye Care, & Mission Viejo 2024. LASIK Eye Surgery. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007018.htm [Accessed November 14, 2024]
