There are no safety risks when flying after cataract surgery. The altitude and pressure inside an airplane cabin won't harm your eyes, but it can dry them out. To avoid this, make sure to bring eye drops and other medications with you. You don't have to worry about your plane ticket being canceled due to corneal laser surgery, as there are no medical restrictions regarding air travel after this procedure.
The Civil Aviation Authority recommends that you be able to fly one day after cataract surgery. Your recovery is not at risk, as the altitude and pressure inside the cabin cannot harm your eyes. However, it is important to follow up with your eye doctor after the procedure. You will usually need to visit your cataract surgeon the day after the procedure and at least once more in the next two weeks.
If you have dry eyes, be sure to bring artificial tears with you to keep your eyes comfortable during the flight. Many patients will experience a remarkable improvement in their vision within 24 hours of cataract removal. It is also essential to adhere to the instructions of the cataract surgeon during the recovery period, including using eye drops and a sleep mask to protect your eyes. If you have any queries about traveling or doing other activities soon after the cataract removal procedure, ask your cataract surgeon for advice.
Pressure changes during the flight could cause the gas bubble to expand, which could have serious repercussions for the eye. Your cataract surgeon can give you a specific recommendation about when you can safely return to driving, so follow these tips if you have any questions. Additionally, certain policies may exclude from coverage any medical expenses related to cataract surgery. If you've already booked a trip that includes air travel or you're just thinking about flying, it is important to take precautions during the flight in order to ensure that air travel doesn't hinder your recovery.
Some travel insurance policies may require a minimum amount of time between cataract surgery and the start of the trip in order to qualify for coverage.
