Is it safe to fly while chemosis is present?

Question

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Catherine, Thanks for your question. It is certainly is safe to fly with it but it will likely get worse due to moisture changes. Lubrication is the key to improving the swelling you have in your eyes. Keep your eyes closed and keep your eyes lubricated and moist. Good Luck

All the best,
Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

@chemosis @blepharoplasty @docmata #drcarlosmata
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

All the best,
Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

@chemosis @blepharoplasty @docmata #drcarlosmata
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

I would ask your doctor if it is okay as they will be aware if there is anything else going on. If it is just chemosis, I would have some natural tears or lacrilube with you as the eye may need some extra moisture.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While chemosis itself should not pose a problem question I strongly suggest checking with your surgeon to see if he or she has any objection to your traveling an airplane when you have an ongoing problem with your eyes following surgery.  Best of luck.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. There should be no problems flying or traveling while the eyes are chemotic. Frequent lubrication is important, because dryness will increase the sweling. Inform your surgeon of your plans to travel.Good luck,

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The chemosis is made worse by drying.  Airplanes have very dry environment.  Bring artificial tears and use them every 30 minutes.  Also use bland ophthalmic ointment as bedtime.  See your surgeon if the you are having an issue when you return from your trip.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Hi Catherine, It’s best to
be conservative and not fly when your eyeballs are swollen. When did you have
your eyelid surgery? It is strongly recommended that you stay within 30 minutes
of the surgery center where you had your procedure done, for at least 5-6 days after
the procedure. While chemosis is relatively
common after lower blepharoplasty and is treatable with steroid or
anti-inflammatory drops and lubrication, it can take a week or two for the
lymphatics to work normally again.  Since
the air inside the cabin of a plane has a humidity level of 10-20% (much lower
than a comfortable typical humidity of 30-65%) you can expect to be dehydrated
which can cause problems like dry skin and scratchy eyes.  Being in a low-humidity
environment has another potential problem – you’re at increased risk of
catching a respiratory virus like a cold. 
When the air you breathe is too dry, the mucous in your airway can’t do
its job, and viruses or bacteria can enter more freely.  Lastly, it would be best to have at least one postoperative visit with
your surgeon prior to flying home.

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

You can fly even if you have chemosis, but critical to its early management is to keep your eyes moisturized using good quality ocular lubricating tears, gel, or ointment.  Gentle massage of the eyes (through the closed eyelids) can also help.  Its important to get this addressed in the early few weeks after surgery whenever possible otherwise it become more difficult to manage.  I will sometimes put my patients on both topical and oral steroids to help hasten the resolution.  Rarely minor surgical procedures can speed the resolution.  Be in touch with your surgeon.  Best regards.