Can You Fly After Laser Eye Surgery? Essential Guidelines

Getting laser eye surgery can change your life. It lets you see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. But can you fly after laser eye surgery? If you’re thinking of flying soon after your procedure, knowing what to do is important.

This article answers when you should take a flight and explains what to expect during recovery after laser eye surgery.

Can You Fly After Laser Eye Surgery?

Flying right after laser vision correction is not a good idea. The healing process is important, and flying can cause problems. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Cabin Air Can Make Dry Eyes Worse

Aeroplane cabins have dry air. Many people have dry eyes after laser eye surgery. Flying too soon can make your eyes feel even drier. Eye drops like artificial tears can help, but avoiding flying while your eyes heal is better.

Risk Of Infection

Airports and planes are crowded places. This can expose you to bacteria. While serious complications are rare, your eyes are more sensitive after surgery. Staying on the ground for a while can reduce this risk.

How Long Should You Wait Before Flying?

Doctors usually suggest waiting one week before flying after laser eye surgery. This waiting period helps protect your eyes and gives them time to start healing. While it may feel like a long time, it is an important part of ensuring a smooth recovery.

What Happens During the Healing Process?

Everyone heals in their own way. But here’s a general timeline to help you understand what to expect after laser eye surgery:

First 24–48 Hours

Your vision will improve quickly in the first few days, but your eyes will be sensitive. It’s very important to be gentle with your eyes during this time.

Try not to rub them, and stay away from smoke and dust, as they can irritate your eyes. Your doctor may give you special eye drops to help with healing. Follow all instructions carefully to help your eyes heal properly.

1 Week After Surgery

By the end of the first week, you may feel well enough to return to light activities, such as reading or walking. But you should still be careful. It’s important to avoid flying, swimming, or playing contact sports.

Your eyes are still healing, and you must protect them from anything that could cause irritation or injury. Make sure to go to your follow-up visit so your doctor can check how well your eyes are healing.

After 2 Weeks

After about two weeks, you should feel much better and can get back to normal activities, including travelling.

Yet, you should continue wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light. You should also use eye drops to keep them moist. Remember that your eyes are still healing, so it’s important to keep caring for them to ensure the best results.

This timeline helps guide your recovery, but everyone heals at their own pace. Always listen to your doctor and follow their advice to ensure a smooth recovery.

Why Waiting One Week Is Important

Taking a break from travel for one week after laser eye surgery offers several benefits:

Managing Dry Eyes

After laser eye surgery, your eyes might feel dry. This is a common part of the healing process. During the first week, your doctor will likely recommend using prescribed eye drops. These drops, like artificial tears, keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

Flying too soon can worsen dry eyes, as the air in aeroplane cabins is very dry. Waiting gives your eyes time to adjust and heal.

Attending Follow-Up Visits

You may need a follow-up visit within the first week after surgery. During this check-up, your doctor will see how your eyes are healing. They will also check for any early signs of infection or discomfort.

This visit is also the perfect time to ask questions, including whether it’s okay for you to fly. Skipping this check-up to travel could mean missing out on important advice about your recovery.

Lowering Risks

Flying too soon after laser eye surgery can be uncomfortable. Cabin pressure at high altitudes, dry air, and long hours in a seated position can all stress your healing eyes.

You might experience blurred vision, discomfort, or dryness. Waiting at least one week reduces the chance of these issues and makes your flight much more enjoyable.

Protecting Your Corneal Flap

If you’ve had LASIK surgery, the doctor creates a small flap on your cornea during the procedure. This flap needs time to settle and heal securely.

Flying within the first week could put unnecessary pressure on this delicate part of your eye. Waiting ensures the flap stays in place and heals properly.

Tips For Flying After Laser Eye Surgery

If you’ve waited the recommended time and feel ready to fly, it’s important to keep your eyes comfortable during your journey. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and pleasant flight:

Wear Sunglasses

Bright lights or sunlight can make your eyes feel uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from harsh light and reduce the risk of irritation, which is especially important after surgery.

Stay Hydrated

The air in aeroplanes is very dry, which can dry out your eyes and make you feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is essential to drink plenty of water during the flight.

Staying hydrated will help keep your body in good shape and keep your eyes moist and comfortable. It’s a simple way to care for your eyes while travelling.

Use Eye Drops

Since the dry air in the cabin can irritate your eyes, artificial tears (eye drops) are a must during flights. These drops will help keep your eyes moist and prevent dryness.

Make sure to carry your prescribed eye drops with you and use them as needed. This simple step will keep your eyes feeling fresh and prevent any discomfort.

Don’t Wear Contact Lenses

It’s best to switch to glasses during your recovery. Wearing contact lenses after surgery can irritate your eyes and make healing harder.

Glasses are a safer and more comfortable option while your eyes are healing. Wearing glasses allows your eyes to recover without the pressure of contact lenses.

Following these simple tips can make your flight comfortable. They will also help you avoid any irritation or discomfort as your eyes continue to heal. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad if I move my eyes during my LASIK procedure?

During the surgery, the laser system tracks your eye movements. When it detects tiny eye movements, the laser can adjust its focus.

This means the laser can stay on the right spot, even if you shift your gaze just a little. The technology is very advanced and makes sure your surgery is as accurate as possible.

Can I drive after my laser eye surgery procedure?

It’s generally not safe to drive immediately after laser eye surgery. Your vision may be blurry, and your eyes might be too sensitive to the light. You may feel comfortable after one to two days, but this varies for everyone.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and not drive until your vision is clear enough to do so safely. If you have concerns, check with your doctor before getting behind the wheel.

Can I travel by car after my laser eye surgical procedure?

It’s usually okay to travel by car after laser eye surgery. But you should avoid long ones right after your procedure. During the first few days, your eyes will be sensitive. So, you should not expose them to harsh conditions like smoke or dust.

If you feel discomfort or blurry vision while driving, it’s best to take breaks and not drive for long periods. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from bright sunlight while you’re out.

Can I swim or go in hot tubs after laser surgery?

It’s best to avoid swimming or using hot tubs for at least two weeks after your laser eye surgery. The water can introduce bacteria into your eyes, increasing the risk of infection.

Also, the chemicals in pools or hot tubs can irritate your eyes while healing. Follow your doctor’s advice and wait until they give you the okay to swim or bathe in water again.

Can I wear makeup after laser refractive surgery?

After laser eye surgery, it’s best to avoid wearing makeup for at least one week. Your eyes are healing, and applying makeup too soon can cause irritation or increase the risk of infection.

Makeup can also get into your eyes and cause discomfort. Once your doctor says it’s okay, you can start wearing makeup again.

What should I do if I accidentally rub my eyes after surgery?

If you accidentally rub your eyes, don’t worry. Contact your doctor for advice. They may ask you to come in for a quick check-up to make sure everything is healing correctly.

To help prevent rubbing, try wearing sunglasses or eye shields at night as your eyes heal.

What should I do if my vision changes after laser eye surgery?

It’s normal for your vision to be slightly blurry or to change a bit during the first few weeks after laser eye surgery as your eyes heal.

Yet, if you notice a significant change, such as a sudden decline in vision or pain, contact your doctor right away. They will check to make sure your eyes are healing as expected and will let you know what to do next. In most cases, the vision will improve over time with proper care and follow-up visits.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for laser eye surgery?

Not everyone is a good candidate for laser eye surgery. You must consult an eye surgeon to determine if the surgery is right for you. Some things the doctor will look at include your eye health, whether you have any conditions like dry eyes and the thickness of your cornea.

You are more likely to be a good candidate if you are generally healthy, have a stable vision prescription, and are over 18. Your doctor will discuss your options and tell you what to expect.

Are glasses needed after laser eye surgery?

Most patients who have laser eye surgery can enjoy clear vision without glasses or contact lenses. Yet, some people may still need glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or seeing well at night. Your doctor will discuss your situation and tell you what to expect.

It’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions to help ensure the best possible outcome. Over time, you may need glasses again due to age-related vision changes.

How can I afford laser eye surgery?

We understand that paying for laser eye surgery can feel like a big step. Aside from private health insurance, payment plans are available to make the process easier for you! These plans allow you to pay in smaller amounts over time, which can help make the surgery more affordable and less stressful.

Conclusion

Flying after laser eye surgery is okay if you wait the right amount of time. Taking a break from travel gives your eyes the chance to heal and lowers the risk of complications.

When the time is right, flying will feel much more enjoyable with your new and improved vision. Follow your doctor’s advice, keep up with your eye care routine, and pack everything you need for a smooth journey.

If you want laser eye surgery or have more questions about travelling after your surgery, Dr Anton is here in Melbourne to help!

Call 03 9000 0389 to book a consultation with Dr Anton Van Heerden today. He’ll answer all your questions and help you understand what’s best for your eyes. Your clearer vision is a call away!

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

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Meštrović T 2023. LASIK Complications. News-Medical. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/LASIK-Complications.aspx [Accessed December 18, 2024]

Rowden A 2024. What to Know About LASIK Recovery and Side Effects. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-know-about-lasik-recovery-and-its-effects [Accessed December 18, 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 December 18, 2024]