What do you need to know?
- Laserowa korekcja wzroku wymaga ostrożności po zabiegu, a podróże samolotem powinny być odłożone na co najmniej 3 dni.
- After the procedure, the eyes may be irritated and dry, increasing the risk of infection.
- Dry air on a plane can cause discomfort, so it is essential to use hydration drops and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, excessive physical exertion and activities that tire the eyes while travelling.
- It is a good idea to carry your medical records and contact to your ophthalmologist in case of problems after the flight.
- During the flight, it is good to rest and try not to touch your eyes with dirty hands.
Although laser vision correction does not require a lengthy recovery, you do need to be more careful in certain areas of your life for some time after the procedure. How does this relate to travelling, especially the long distances you travel by plane? Can you fly after LASIK treatment?
Flying and laser vision correction
Bezpośrednio po zabiegu laser vision correction oczy są szczególnie wrażliwe na podrażnienia i niekorzystne czynniki atmosferyczne. Mają również tendencję do wysychania – w niektórych przypadkach można zaobserwować objawy przypominające dry eye disease. Regular moisturisation is therefore a key issue, as dry eye is more prone to infections.
We recommend travelling no sooner than 3 days after the vision correction procedure
When we will be able to board a plane after laser vision correction depends largely on individual circumstances, specifically how our eyes react to the procedure. Therefore, it is best to consult with your ophthalmologist during your follow-up appointment after the procedure. We are usually advised to wait at least a few days or a week or so, and up to a few weeks if possible, before travelling further. According to research conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Mississippi, the eyes can still be extremely sensitive to a variety of drying factors for about six months after LASIK. So remember that the eye is an extremely delicate organ that is worth taking care of.
Dry air on a plane - how to deal with it?
The discomfort we may experience on a plane after laser vision correction is due to the dryness of the air. At an altitude of 9000-10000 metres, the air in the passenger cabin is quite cold, so humidifying it is not an easy task. The degree of humidity in the air is only about 12% - less than in some deserts. How can we help our eyes in such a situation and give them at least partial relief?
How do I prepare for flying after laser vision correction?
Here are some tips:
- moisturise your eyes - Dry air in the aircraft cabin can cause discomfort, especially after laser vision correction surgery. Take with you the moisturising drops (artificial tears) recommended by your doctor and use them according to his/her instructions to ensure that your eyes are properly moisturised during the flight;
- drink plenty of water - hydrating the body from within is also helpful;
- don't rub your eyes - germs and bacteria are just waiting for that, plus rubbing your eyes contributes to annoying irritation;
- avoid activities that engage or tire the eyes too much, such as reading books, newspapers and e-books, watching films or working on a laptop. Avoid carrying heavy luggage on a travel day. Physical exertion, especially bending and lifting weights, can increase intraocular pressure, which is not advisable immediately after vision correction surgery;
- plan for emergencies - take with you any documents relating to the procedure and the contact for your eye doctor. You will be able to seek advice quickly in the event of a sudden deterioration of your eye health or other worrying symptoms;
- Take a nap or at least close your eyes and try to relax. Air travel can be tiring, so it's important that you make sure you rest and keep your eyes healthy. Try to avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands and, if possible, rest with your eyes closed.
