Flying – when can I fly after cataract surgery?

Advice on flying after cataract surgery varies. We recommend waiting until after your post-operative appointment before you fly, although the NHS website and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states, “Simple cataract or corneal laser surgery do not cause major complications and therefore 24 hours is an adequate gap between surgery and flying.”  

As peoples’ individual circumstances and healing times will vary, we recommend consulting your doctor before you make a decision to fly after having cataract surgery. Your doctor will be familiar with your personal circumstances and will be able to examine your eye and make a recommendation that’s best for you.  

It’s also worth checking your travel insurance policy to see if there are any conditions surrounding flying after cataract surgery. If flying too quickly following your surgery will void your insurance, you may wish to consider waiting a little longer before taking your trip. 

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