Flying post vitrectomy

[Vid30]

Hi there, my mom has had 2 retinal detachments in the same eye within a year and half. The first time doc injected bubble and did the laser...second time he did a vitrectomy. It's been 6 months since vitrectomy and mom has been extra cautious but we're planning a Caribbean vacation and she is worried that flying could create problems for the eye. Please advise what the cabin pressure could do to the eye? Also would shorter flights help or does not matter?

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

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[yslgirl]

sounds just like me...it is day 6 post vitrectomy...how long did it take for your mom to begin to see?  My vision is all blurry...I only see lights and dim shapes so far...my both detachments were in the same eye...gas bubble and laser worked the first time also...but they said since it happened again in the same eye right next to first detachment I needed the vitrectomy...hope I did the right thing

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

You need to run this by the retina surgeon. Generally its no problem flying unless air or gas (SF6) has been injected into the eye.

JC MD