Post Retinal Surgery - Airplane ride

[wunbun]

My mom will be undergoing a surgery for her EpiRetinal Membrane.  Could you let me know how long she needs to wait before she can fly on an airplane please?

And, are there other "general" post surgery instructions?  We forgot to ask the doctor during the appointment, and haven't been able to get any answer from him or his staff after.

Many thanks for your help.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[JodieJ]

A gas bubble is rarely required for ERM surgery.  I had my surgery done out-of-town and flew home the next morning (with my surgeon's blessings.)  Call the surgeon's office now with your concerns.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[advancedeyehospital]

Hello, An epiretinal membrane is usually treated with a vitrectomy surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, instructions would change. If the vitrectomy involves placing of a gas bubble inside your mother's eye, she will be required to maintain a particular position of her head. This could either be looking straight downwards or lying on one side. This is important to minimise the movement of the gas bubble and thus preventing damage to the eye. Patients should avoid flying with the gas bubble inside the eye as the decreased air pressure during the flight can cause the gas bubble to expand dangerously. On the other hand, if silicone oil is used in place of the gas bubble, there would be no restriction on air travel and a lesser requirement for head positioning. You can discuss with your surgeon, the kind of surgery that is being performed on your mother and the precautions accordingly.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Only your surgeon can answer that, keep on the phone. If there is gas in the eye there could be a problem with flying.

JCH MD