2-week trip 12 days after cataract surgery?

[Chuckles960]

There is an available surgery date this Wednesday, but I'm going out of the country 12 days later for two weeks. At the surgeon's office (I didn't speak to the surgeon directly) they thought this would be OK, which surprised me and I would be very grateful for a second opinion.

I do understand that I won't see clearly because the eye will still be healing and I won't have the right glasses in any case, but what is the likelihood of complications?

If it is OK, should I get a temporary lens based on the target power?

Many thanks,

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

It depends on your vision regarding temporary lenses.  You could spend hundreds of dollars only to have prescription changed in a few weeks again.  Talk to surgeon.

MJK MD

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

In situations like this I usually tell the patient that they might be ok but if there are any surgical complications you might have to cancel trip.  In general, for the greatest degree of safety I would usually recommend you stay around for at least 2 weeks.  You would probably be ok as long as you were going to a very civilized area with eye surgeons available in case of a problem.  Take extra eye drops with you just in case and keep surgeon's phone number and have a plan on who to call in new country if you need to and have cash available to pay for service if needed while on trip.  I cannot give advise for your specific case because I am not your doctor - I'm just giving some general thoughts on the subject.  You should consult your surgeon to clarify this situation in detail.  Remember, you can always schedule surgery for when  you get back - that way there are no worries.

MJK MD