From Surgery to Sightseeing: When is it Safe to Travel After Refractive Eye Surgery?

Thinking about taking a vacation, but struggling to see it clearly?
Wondering if you can ditch the corrective lenses and keep those travel plans intact? The answer: absolutely yes. While there are a few precautions to keep in mind, there’s no need to cancel your adventure. Whether you're traveling near or far, we’ll help you see your destination through a whole new lens - literally.

Dreaming of a Vacation—and Clearer Vision to Match? Here’s How You Can Have Both.

You’ve been counting down to that dream vacation for what feels like forever, and now, the timing is finally right. But just as you're ready to book the trip, you're also thinking about refractive eye surgery. Can you still sip cocktails on the beach or carve down the slopes and ditch your glasses or contacts for good?

The answer: absolutely, yes.

At our practice, we offer a range of refractive procedures designed to free you from corrective lenses, and yes, you can still take that trip. All of our vision correction options allow you to fly as soon as the next day and enjoy the sunshine soon after. With just a few precautions, you’ll be on your way to seeing the world clearly, literally.

A Few Important Guidelines Before You Pack Your Bags

To ensure the best results and a smooth recovery, we do ask patients to follow a short list of post-op precautions:

• No swimming or submerging your head underwater for the first week. Wading is fine, and yes, you can still soak in the hot tub.
• Avoid eye makeup, eye masks, eye rubbing, contact sports, sunscreen near the eyes, and anything that puts pressure on your eyes for one full week.
• For IOL (intraocular lens) patients: No bending at the waist or lifting more than 25 lbs for the first week post-surgery.
• LAL (Light Adjustable Lens) patients: You’ll need to wear specific RxSight UV-protective sunglasses outdoors, rain or shine, until your light treatments are complete.

Doctor-Recommended Tips for a Smooth, Travel-Friendly Recovery

• Keep artificial tears handy, especially on flights. Cabin air is notoriously dry and can irritate healing eyes.
• Limit screen time and give your eyes frequent breaks. (A perfect excuse for that midday nap!)
• Always wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes and reduce your risk of future eye disease.

So yes, you can finally take that trip and enjoy it with crystal-clear vision. With just a little preparation and care, you’ll be free to soak in the sights of your dream destination without the hassle of glasses or contacts.

See the world—and your vacation—through a whole new lens.