Flying following Lasik?
 

Okay, I had Lasik done today. I'm flying on Tuesday. The doctor assures me it'll be no problem.

Has anyone traveled within the first few days post-Lasik? Any issues with pressured cabins if so?

I'm almost paranoid about just taking a carry-on, as I'll be taking a dozen or so of those Refresh Plus eyedrops in my Freedom Bag, along with three prescription eye drops. They're all well under 3 ounces and they should all fit, but I'm worried that they'll freak out about the Refresh Plus. They're preservative-free so they're individually packaged, in tiny tube-like things. Plus they're relatively expensive, so I don't relish having to pitch them out and buy them anew at my destination. Plus, I'll need to apply them on the plane, probably.

There shouldn't be a problem, they seem well under allowance. I'm just paranoid because they're a bunch of little capsules that all look the same, and even TSA isn't familiar with them they might follow the standard "if in doubt, throw it out" policy.

If you're doctor says its fine, go for it. My doctor told me to wait at least a week to 10 days. Just make sure you have plenty of drops, I found my eyes to be very dry for the first several weeks. Flying will make it worse.

Congrats on getting Lasik though, its one of the best decisions I've ever made. I couldn't be happier (been about 4yrs now).

I think I flew within a week of getting Lasik (back in 1999), and I don't remember there being any problems. Hope you enjoy your 20/20 vision! :)

Same here... no problems but don't forget your drops and replacement tears - you may need extra since the planes are dry.

I flew soon after mine, I agree with the other posts, have plenty of drops on hand, and don't get behind in administering them, your eyes will feel like they have gravel in them if you do. I've had three procedures now over 7 years so I'm getting pretty good at it!

and don't forget to bring your wrap-around sunglasses. HEHE

The Refresh ones are okay, but my doc specifically recommended another brand because he knows I'm on planes a lot this time of year. I've flown several times now with the TheraTears brand single use preservative drops. Inside the box, the drops are in foil packs (4 per pack). I fly with one pack opened, and all the other packs sealed. I've never been questioned about it at all.
By the way, my Lasik was three months ago and the first flight was within a month of the procedure.

I flew a trip four days after Lasik--my eyes looked like heck, but everything was fine. TSA won't question you abou the single use eyedrops, as long as they fit comfortably...blah, blah...ziploc baggie....

I flew a couple weeks after. Nothing bothers me. Just remember to bring single use droplets, cause you don't want to use regular eyedrop at that point.

Me too
 

I also flew within a week of my Lasik surgery. No problem at all with the flights - the only problem I had was that I was sent from PDX to PHX in Feb. Even though it was Feb, the intensity of the sun in PHX was really, really uncomfortable shortly post-op. I had the sunglasses that were given to me after the surgery, but had to go out and buy a set of (relatively) high end sunglasses to function at all. (When my wife came to visit and had me take off the glasses for a photo outside, I almost couldn't open my eyes) To make it worse, I needed to do work in the car all over PHX using a laptop - ever tried to find a good set of sunglasses that aren't polarized?

Flying should be no problem. Just remember as mentioned several times above (1) hydrate the eyes! (2) remember sunglasses!

You could also tear off the front of the box for the RefreshPlus and stick it in the Kip-bag to identify them. I haven't used them since I got my surgery, so don't remember if they are marked on the tubes. Of course, you could also get a secondary for putting something extra in the bag. If the TSA goons give you a hard time, demand a supervisor.

RFTraveler ;):D;):D

My Doc had not problems with me flying (or even skiing) outside of about 1 week to 10 days after surgery - just wanted me to stay out of hot tubs and pools for a month. Keep up on the drops no matter what. I used Optive drops by Allergan - much more soothing/refreshing. The Refresh Plus felt like tap water in comparison!

Congrats on your new eyes!

i flew internationally 4 days after my surgery. i wouldn't recommend it that soon, but it was fine. i did run out of drops toward the end of the flight and so i would recommend over-packing, and i second the advice that the 'heavier' drops feel better and seem to last longer.

I hope it is not to late to catch the OP. Put some of the eye drops capsules in your pockets! My husband does that all the time as he really gets dry eye on planes.

The TSA folks have seen all this stuff a zillion times. Common as corn.

...and make it longer than that if you travel and intend to scuba dive. Remember, every 10 meters / 33 feet is one absolute atmosphere of pressure. My wife's eye surgeon told her there should be no probs with diving within a 10 days after surgery. As a Master Diver with > 50 years of experience, I didn't eel that was correct - checking with some diving docs (www.scubadoc.com, they will talk with specialists and get back to you) said NO WAY, try 90 days / 3 months. (My wife's nephew was OK with it, he flew from CT and dove Midway with me.)

For ophthalmic surgery and scuba diving, check this link.

(Yes, I know this is about flying, but now pools and hot tubs have come up, and some of us do fly to destinations where we dive, so just in case...)

All very sound advice in the thread. I use refresh plus at home, but I'll echo that I use TheraTears for anticipated dehydration/dryness. They are terrific. Try and reduce booze/caffeine and boost water. It really does help. Also, be sure and carry your sunglasses as your eyes will be sensitive and it's just safer this way. Above all eye drops in your pocket. Do not give the TSA any possibility of taking your eye drops.

If you are on prednisone or antibiotic drops, ask your doctor for an additional sample bottle of each. This way you are sure to have a spare in any emergency. Enjoy your new vision!