After RD, can I travel to a lower altitude then back up to my original altitude?

[BrentDM]

I had retinal detachment surgery 2 months ago, and now have just a 5% level gas bubble in my eye.
I live at 7,000 feet. I need to fly to sea level for a day, then fly back again to my home at 7,000 feet.
Since airplanes are pressurized to 7,000 feet, could it be safe for me to go to the lower altitude then back up again within a day?

[JohnHaganMD]

That question can only be answered by your retina surgeon who looks in your eye and knows the specifics of where the holes/tears were and how much retina was detached.

[BrentDM]

Thanks Dr. Hagan.  I always hear about not going to higher altitudes because that will increase the pressure in the bubble, and thus the IOP.  I just assumed going to lower altitudes would decrease the IOP and thus wouldn’t be a problem. And then heading back up would bring it back to normal.
I’m sure it’s more complicated than this, as you are pointing out. Thanks again.

[JohnHaganMD]

Okay two problems:  1. The rules of MedHelp  prohibit what might be considered legally "practicing medicine without a license in a different state or country.  2. If you fly to a LOWER altitude the bubble will get smaller and thus put less pressure on the retina. Only the surgeon can tell if an eye is at a point of healing where that is acceptable.  So too big or too small can be a problem.