Can I Fly for Vacation After SMILE LASIK?
Top 5 Questions Answered by an Optometrist Before Your Trip

Hello, this is BGN Eye Clinic Jamsil Lotte Tower Branch.

As the sweltering days of summer gradually give way to the crisp air of fall, it’s the perfect time to look forward to a well-deserved vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing by the beach, indulging in delicious local food, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the water, vacation season is always something to look forward to. And with the changing seasons bringing new travel opportunities, there’s no better time to start planning your next getaway!

I'm not the only one dreaming of a getaway. Many of our patients bring up their vacation plans during consultations. Questions like, "Is it okay to get SMILE LASIK before vacation?" or "Can I board a flight after surgery?" are incredibly common. University students, in particular, often want to catch two birds with one stone during their semester break: getting vision correction surgery and traveling.

A few days ago, a patient walked into the consultation room and immediately showed me their flight itinerary! Today, to address these common concerns, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide covering the top 5 most frequently asked questions about SMILE LASIK and summer vacations.

Q1. Can I fly after SMILE LASIK surgery?

Many people travel abroad for their vacations, which leads to questions about flying. The short answer is: Yes, you can fly! Because SMILE LASIK offers a faster recovery than traditional LASIK, you can travel as long as you plan your schedule carefully. However, extra caution is needed right after surgery. The cornea is sensitive, which can cause temporary dry eyes. Therefore, we recommend allowing at least 2 to 3 days of recovery before boarding a flight. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry. While short flights are manageable, long-haul flights can be particularly harsh on healing eyes, so be sure to bring plenty of artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

Q2. Is it safe to swim or play in the water after SMILE LASIK?

Water activities are a quintessential part of vacations, beaches, valleys, and swimming pools. If you're planning to swim, you must align it carefully with your surgery schedule. You must avoid water activities for 2 weeks after surgery. Seawater and public pools host large crowds and various irritants, increasing the risk of infection at the surgical site. To prevent any strain on your eyes, avoiding these activities is essential. If you have a trip planned right after surgery, you might have to sit out the swimming this time but simply enjoying the view can still make for great memories!

Q3. Do I need to be careful with UV rays?

For LASEK surgery, strict UV protection is mandatory, as the surface-level corneal ablation makes the eyes susceptible to corneal haze from UV exposure. SMILE LASIK, however, involves a much smaller incision and faster recovery, meaning it is less affected by UV rays compared to LASEK. Still, wearing sunglasses is highly recommended to reduce glare and protect your eyes in overly bright environments!

Q4. When is the best time to go on a vacation?

If your travel itinerary isn't finalized yet, try to coordinate your surgery and follow-up appointments with your trip. If you can't leave a wide gap between surgery and travel, we highly recommend scheduling your trip after your first outpatient check-up. While a quiet, relaxing trip might not hinder recovery, vacations often encourage us to be highly active. Getting a professional check on your recovery status before you leave is the safest approach.

Q5. Are there any precautions to take while traveling?

If you're traveling after SMILE LASIK, please keep the following checklist in mind:

• Use artificial tears more frequently than usual.
• Sunglasses are a must (blocking both UV rays and wind).
• Avoid sweaty or dusty activities during the initial recovery phase.
• Be careful not to get cosmetics or sunscreen in your eyes.
• Do not use swimming goggles, contact lenses, or eye makeup for 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery.

Above all, do not forget to pack your prescribed eye drops. Drastic changes in your environment while traveling can cause discomfort, and you might easily forget your routine. Never push yourself too hard, and always contact the clinic if you experience any issues.

A Story Shared Together

Let’s revisit the patient I mentioned earlier. She showed me her flight ticket as soon as she walked in, explaining she had a flight booked just three days post-surgery. She had taken a long leave to visit her family living abroad, whom she hadn't seen in years.

"I'm flying almost immediately after surgery. Will I be okay?"

Reading her expression, I could feel her anxiety about potentially having to cancel her long-awaited family reunion. I helped adjust her schedule and provided thorough instructions on managing dryness, using artificial tears, and handling emergencies. Later, she happily reported that she safely boarded her flight after her surgery and initial check-up.

Trips are precious, especially when you've waited so long for them. The same goes for vision correction surgery. Both require careful preparation!