Can you fly after lens replacement surgery?
If you’re planning a holiday or travelling for work, you might be wondering: “Can I fly after lens replacement surgery?”
The short answer is: Yes, you can. But timing and aftercare matter. In this blog, we’ll explain when it’s safe to fly, what precautions to take, and how to protect your eyes if you’re planning to travel after your procedure.
What is lens replacement surgery?
Lens replacement surgery, also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE), is a procedure where the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one—called an intraocular lens (IOL).
It’s similar to cataract surgery, and the recovery is generally quick and straightforward.
Is it safe to fly after lens replacement?
Yes—but it’s best to wait a few days before flying.
Dr Danny Mitry recommends waiting at least 3 to 5 days before taking a flight, especially for short-haul journeys. For long-haul or international travel, waiting 1 to 2 weeks is usually advised.
This gives your eye time to begin healing and allows for an early follow-up appointment to check your progress.
Why wait?
Lens replacement is a delicate procedure, and your eye needs a little time to settle. Flying too soon can raise a few concerns:
- Cabin pressure changes: While they won’t harm the eye directly, you may feel more sensitive to light or pressure.
- Dry cabin air: Airplane environments can worsen dry eye symptoms, especially just after surgery.
- Missed follow-up care: It's important to attend your first check-up, usually 1–3 days after the procedure, to ensure your eye is healing well.
What if I have to travel?
If flying is unavoidable shortly after surgery, speak to your surgeon in advance. They may advise you to:
- Use artificial tears during your flight
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eye
- Wear sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity
- Delay flying if you experience complications like blurred vision, pain or redness
Can cabin pressure damage my eye?
No. The pressure changes on a plane will not damage your eye or the implanted lens. Lens replacement surgery doesn’t involve any air bubbles (unlike some retinal procedures), so flying after a few days is generally safe.
Can I fly with one eye treated?
Yes. If you're having each eye done separately (a week or two apart), you can travel after the first eye as long as your vision is stable and you're not experiencing any post-op issues.
But make sure you return in time for your second procedure and any scheduled follow-ups.
Tips for flying after lens replacement
- Bring your eye drops in your carry-on, and use them as prescribed—even during the flight
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can dry out your eyes
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and cabin glare
- Avoid touching your eyes, even if they feel dry or irritated
- Keep your hands clean to reduce the risk of infection.
When can I travel long-distance?
For flights longer than 4–6 hours, it's usually safest to wait 7 to 14 days. This allows:
- More healing time
- Opportunity to attend your follow-up
- Dr Danny Mitry to check for any early complications.
What about swimming on holiday?
Wait at least 2 weeks before swimming or using a hot tub, even if you're abroad. These activities can increase the risk of infection if done too soon.
Conclusion
Yes, you can fly after lens replacement surgery—but timing is key. Most people are fine to fly after a few days for short trips, and within 1–2 weeks for longer ones.
Take our quick self-test to find out if lens replacement is right for you—and how to plan around your travel schedule.
Find out if you are suitable for vision correction
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
