Most people could fly the day after cataract surgery if needed. Nearly all eye doctors require that their patients be examined on the first day following cataract surgery and again in 5 to 8 days. There are no safety risks when flying after cataract surgery. The altitude and pressure inside an airplane cabin won't harm your eyes.
As already mentioned, most people would agree to board a plane one week after the procedure. However, common sense must prevail as to whether this is the right thing to do. When in doubt, follow the advice of an expert. The answer is simple: 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, although this is not the case if you have undergone other types of eye surgery. Due to its frequency of occurrence, cataract surgery has become one of the most commonly performed operations. If you plan to travel after your scheduled cataract surgery, or if you're thinking about traveling soon after the procedure, you may be wondering if it's safe to do so. For more information on cataract surgery or post-operative care, contact Pamel Vision and Laser Group today.
If you've already booked a trip that includes air travel or you're just considering flying, you're probably wondering when it will be safe to fly after cataract surgery. While there's no proof that flying causes any harm, even 24 hours after a cataract operation, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should take a 12-hour flight to Europe or anywhere else long-distance so soon after surgery. You won't be able to drive home after cataract surgery because the surgery requires anesthesia. Cataract surgery, including the length of the recovery period, depends directly on the type of procedure you are undergoing and, most importantly, on the skill of the surgeon.
We recommend waiting until after the post-operative appointment before flying, although the NHS website and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) state: “Simple cataract or corneal laser surgery does not cause major complications and therefore 24 hours is an appropriate interval between surgery and flight. It's also worth checking your travel insurance policy to see if there are any conditions related to flying after cataract surgery. Modern Cataract Surgery is a world-leading clinical center that offers the public the latest cataract surgery procedures. It's completely safe to fly after cataract surgery and it doesn't take long for your eyes to return to normal.
The most important consideration regarding traveling after cataract surgery is whether your plans will interfere with your follow-up care. From state-of-the-art laser options to advanced intraocular lenses, the team of specialists is dedicated to the art of cataract removal.
