HomeAnswersOphthalmology (Eye Care)retina surgeryI have had vitreous retinal surgery. Can I travel by flight?

Is it safe to travel by flight after a vitreous retinal surgery?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 30, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 30, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Last year I was admitted to hospital because of a significant eye injury, I had been around a fire pit, and small bullets were thrown in, as I walked back outside one went off and shot me in my right eye, it long story short, four surgeries later my life is starting to become more normal again but I will never be able to see out of my right eye again, two attempts at trying to fix my vision which worked for two to three weeks but later failed due to the addressive healing of my renter. I have heavy oil inside my eye and a lack of band around my eye. I take four different drops morning, throughout the day, and at night. A few of my doctors say I should not fly as the pressure may affect the eye. Should I be able to fly? My last surgery was a few months ago. I currently take eye drops to prevent infection and to help manage the pressure in the eye. I have had 10 % of my retina removed due to shrapnel damage from the bullet shell. I have heavy scar tissue behind my retina due to the retina being rejected from the eye. I have heavy oil in my eye to keep the volume and was originally used to apply pressure to the retina to reduce the risk of lifting. I also have a black band around my eye which was installed on the second attempt to fix the retina and its purpose is to apply pressure to try and keep the retina in place. I am using Prednefrin forte eye drops four times daily, Simbrinza twice daily, and Atropine at night. Kindly suggest if I can fly or not.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern. The 5000 centistokes (CS) silicon oil or 'heavy oil' or even 1000 CS silicone oil is necessary to keep the retina attached. PVR (proliferative vitreoretinopathy) proliferation or scar tissue formation takes place over a long time and tends to lift the retina. Hence, the oil. You must have had a foreign body or pellet fragment inside your eye. Therefore, in your case, the retinal problem is more severe. With oil in your eye, you can travel by air. It is not a contraindication. If a month has elapsed after the retina surgery, any postural and pressure changes will have minimal effect. I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

Foreign body injury

Investigations to be done

A retina examination is suggested.

Treatment plan

Drops already adviced

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan
Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan

Ophthalmology (Eye Care)

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