How soon can I fly after detached retina surgery?

Question

I had the surgery last Tuesday at 5PM CST (1/23/07). The "air bubble" the surgeon put in my eye has been shrinking steadly but is still maybe 20% there. My flight to the Orient (from Wisconsin) leaves in exactly 2 days (48 hours). I understand that the bubble should be entirely gone in order to fly. Does anyone (especially a qualified eye surgeon) have any idea if I'll be able to fly, will the bubble be gone? I'm 51 years old, 6'2", 180 pounds, exercise and take loads of suppliments so in general, pretty good health...other than the fact I had 2 heart attacks 17 years ago and a cataract in each eye several years ago. True. THe reason I'm asking this is because my company needs an answer by late Friday. My answer is "probably" going to be evident - if the bubble is there, STAY HOME. If it's gone, FLY. Any insights appreciated.

Answer 1

If the bubble is there - STAY HOME PLEASE.

If the bubble is gone, check with your doc, then fly.

I had the air bubble in my eye last January. I am 35 and fly for a living, every week I commute from Houston to Philly. I had to turn down two jobs that required travel because of the surgery. Please be careful. I went back on the road in April for one month flying between Houston and Canada. Then, in August, my other retina detacted in the other "good" eye. This time he put an oily substance in my eye, I was able to go to France the following week. I had a few complications and after he removed the oil as best he could, I still see it every other day floating inside my eye. Take this seriously, No amount of exercising will keep you from losing your eye sight. I know you will not like my answer but wait; Please wait until your doctor says you can go.

I currently fly weekly and do fine, you've just got to give it the proper healing time.

I'm thinking of you and praying for a super speedy recovery!!!

Answer 2

I had a double retina detachment 3 months apart 2 years ago and I'm wondering if I should fly. Planning a trip in November will require to & from flights approx. 3 hours each...

Answer 3

Shut them out of your mind and your life, ignore them, scare them away, etc., otherwise it is just a temporary solution to an issue or problem that may or may not be troublesome to you. If I need not to become emotionally involved with something, I have to come to the conclusion that nothing I do or say will matter after facing it head on...and then I move on....it's not that hard. But this would have to be something detrimental to your well being or awfully negative to the point of insanity..

Answer 4

That's a question for your doctor, not strangers in a forum. Your doctor knows the severity damage and what involved repairing it. Therefore, only he can answer thoroughly and accurately. Not strangers in a forum who have no idea of the original damage.