When can I fly after having Laser Eye Surgery?
Making the decision to have Laser Eye Surgery can undoubtedly come with a lot of questions. Many of these questions are about patient eligibility, preparation, and the procedure itself, but it is just as important to be aware of how treatment will affect your life afterwards.
For example, when can you expect to be back at work? When can you hit the gym? And how soon can you jet off on a plane after having Laser Eye Surgery?
Many of us spend months looking forward to our next trip abroad. Whether you’re planning to spend a week on the beach or by the pool or the weekend exploring a new city, our holidays are one of the easiest things to get excited about. But that’s not the only reason we may be required to hop on a plane.
You may be planning to travel to visit family or have plans to attend a business conference abroad. Or perhaps you are considering travelling to London for Laser Eye Surgery treatment. Whatever your reasons, you want to be sure that your treatment isn’t going to affect your plans.
But let’s start with how Laser Eye Surgery could actually make your travel preparations less stressful.
Freeing Yourself of Glasses and Contact Lenses
Let’s face it: having to worry about glasses and/or contact lenses is irritating enough at the best of times. But this annoyance only gets worse when it’s time to worry about packing for a holiday or business trip.
As if travelling isn’t stressful enough, what with the endless queueing, security checks, and rushes to the gate. The added burden of your visual aids can be almost too much.
How many pairs of back-up glasses should you take? What if you forget, lose or break a pair? What if your bottle of saline solution is too big to go in your hand luggage? – Those of us cursed with wearing glasses or contact lenses have, no doubt, had these questions whirling around our minds a hundred times before.
Laser Eye Surgery offers you the chance to forget all these worries. With your new and improved vision, you can leave those glasses and contact lenses at home – or even throw them in the bin! – while you enjoy travelling around the world.
Flying After Laser Eye Surgery
But what if you have a journey planned right after your Laser Eye Surgery treatment? Will your recovery plan allow you to head out on a Summer holiday or return home after visiting our Harley Street Clinic?
Well, the good news is, your treatment won’t keep you off that plane for very long. In fact, most people are fit to fly after just 24 hours, so you could be up in the air the very next day!
With the expertise of world-renowned surgeons and access to the latest technology, Laser Eye Surgery at London Vision Clinic offers quality, efficiency, and convenience. The majority of our patients can even head back to work the day after their treatment.
The most important thing in the first 24 hours after your procedure is your follow-up consultation with your surgeon. At this appointment – typically scheduled for the day after your treatment – your surgeon will assess your recovery so far, talk you through your after-care plan, and sign you off for travel.
The chances are, you will be given the all-clear to head off to the airport shortly afterwards. But there are some things that you still need to bear in mind.
Looking after your eyes on the plane
Planes are not known for being the most hygienic or accommodating of environments, and with sensitive eyes, the uninviting nature of the cabin is even more off-putting. Luckily, there are some things you can do to give your recovering eyes a break while you travel.
Don’t forget the drops!
Dry eyes is one of the most common side effects of Laser Eye Surgery. Obviously, this doesn’t go hand in hand with a dry environment like the cabin of a plane. However, your surgeon will provide you with free lubricating eyedrops (artificial tears) to tackle this issue head on.
When jetting off, make sure to always have your eyedrops to hand for easy application. This will help to keep your eyes moisturised and alleviate any pain or discomfort you may experience. Drinking plenty of water will also help to keep you – and your eyes – hydrated on your travels.
Don’t rub your eyes!
Like all kinds of transport, planes aren’t known to be especially clean. In this immediate period after your treatment, it is particularly important to avoid exposing your eyes to any dirt, dust, or bacteria.
Consider wiping down any hard surfaces around your seat (arm rests, tray table, etc) with antibacterial wipes and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. And most importantly, be extra careful not to touch or rub your eyes. This can worsen any discomfort and potentially transfer dust and harmful bacteria.
So, there you have it. Whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime, travelling for work, or returning home after Laser Eye Surgery, there is no reason that your treatment should stop you from boarding that plane.
If you have any further questions about Recovery after Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – they’re always happy to help! Alternatively, Book your Consultation today.