Flying & Going on Holiday with Glaucoma: Tips & Advice
Travelling with any kind of medical condition can be a daunting thought, with concerns of being able to manage the condition adequately and being away from your usual medical professional. However, with just a little bit of extra preparation, travelling can be achieved with very little issue.
In this blog, we’ll look more closely at travelling with glaucoma, offering some tips and advice to ensure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Can you fly with glaucoma?
It is generally safe to fly with glaucoma, except for some circumstances, but you should expect some considerations to ensure the journey is both safe and comfortable. If you’re unsure or wish to get further clarification before flying, you should speak to a medical professional.
Can you fly after having glaucoma treatment?
If you’ve recently undergone glaucoma treatment such as laser or surgery, you will likely be required to attend follow up appointments. It’s crucial that you attend these to ensure that your treatment goes to plan. For this reason, you should think carefully about when you book your travel.
Considerations for packing and preparing for your flight
If you are planning a holiday or travelling, there are some things you can do to ensure the trip is comfortable. For instance, before travelling you should ensure you have the right travel insurance, and declare glaucoma as a pre-existing condition. This will help should you require medical care when abroad.
You should make sure you have enough medication to last the whole trip, to avoid any last minute or emergency trips to the pharmacy, as there may be no guarantee that they have the right medication in stock. You might also want to consider packing medication in your hand luggage, reducing the risk of losing medication if your bag doesn’t arrive, and so you have access to it while on the plane.
How to ensure a smooth trip through the airport
Getting through the airport can be a stressful experience for anyone, but if you’re travelling with glaucoma you may also be concerned about your visibility and navigating the airport too. Having glaucoma may entitle you to special assistance in order to navigate terminals, go through security and boarding the plane.
If you wish, you may also want to bring a note from your doctor or your prescription for your medication, to get through security checks with minimal stress.
Looking after your eyes on the plane
If you are concerned about the cabin pressure and what effect this may have on your eyes, it’s important to know that typically the controlled air pressure inside the cabin of the plane will make up for any natural drop in pressure1.
As mentioned earlier, you may want to keep your medication to hand on the flight, especially if you also experience dry eye. You can administer dry eye drops alongside glaucoma eye drops if you need them, but remember that you should leave at least 5 minutes before administering two different types of eye drops.
Holidaying with glaucoma: top tips for being abroad
On arrival at your destination, you should carefully consider factors like your medication schedule and maintaining your eye care routine to avoid any complications when travelling.
Following a consistent medication schedule
Finding ways to keep on schedule with your medication is crucial, such as setting an alarm. If you are changing time zones, it may be more useful to stick to your home time zone for taking medication until your arrival, and then adjusting to your new time zone once you have landed.
Storing medication appropriately
Glaucoma drops should typically be stored at room temperature, with unopened bottles stored in the fridge. Always check your patient information leaflet for proper storage conditions for your medication. You may wish to check ahead at your accommodation that there are necessary facilities.
Protecting eyes from UV
Regardless of whether you have an existing eye condition, protecting your eyes from UV is so important. However, if you do have glaucoma then it can make your eyes more sensitive to light, and so wearing suitable sunglasses can make the trip more comfortable as well as protecting your eye health.
Maintaining a healthy eye care routine
Following an eye care routine can really help to maintain healthy eyes when on holiday, including eating well and stayed hydrated. However, you should also take steps to ensure your eyes remain clean. Daily eyelid wipes such as Blephaclean PF can be useful to travel with, as they are a pack of 20 sterile wipes to gently cleanse and remove dust, dirt, pollen and make-up without irritating the eyes2.
If you’re living with glaucoma, you can and should live life to the fullest and enjoy experiences like holidays, but it’s important to continue following your treatment. For more information on symptoms and living with glaucoma you can find out more here. If while on holiday you experience any sudden changes, always seek the advice of an eye care professional.
References
1. https://glaucoma.uk/care-support/care-support-flying-with-glaucoma/