Should You Travel for Your Cataract Surgery?

Every surgical cataract procedure is tailored to the individual. This is because each of us has unique needs. This might be down to age, other medical conditions, or even the internal structure of the eye. Just like our fingerprints, so your eye shape and the tissues have their own intricate pattern. 

What this wonderful individuality means is, that when it comes to cataract surgery, surgeons tend to specialize. So, if you have particularly complex needs, or prefer a particular surgeon to perform your operation, can and should you travel to them to have a cataract removed?

Safety and Practicalities: Should You Travel for Your Cataract Surgery?

• Is it safe to travel for cataract surgery?
• The practicalities of traveling for cataract surgery

Is it safe to travel for cataract surgery?

Traveling for cataract surgery is perfectly safe—if, that is, you’ve not been advised by a medical doctor that there’s a reason you shouldn’t travel. Examples of when traveling might not be safe include:

• You’ve recently undergone surgery and are still in recovery.
• You suffer from chest pain/angina while resting.
• You have (or are at risk from) blood clots, then you probably shouldn’t consider flying.
• You have a current infection.

However, one thing that many people are surprised to hear is that (as long as it’s not contra-indicated due to another condition) it’s usually safe to fly as soon as 24 hours after a cataract operation.

Of course, if you do fly to visit the surgeon of your choice, it’s often likely that you’ll want to remain in the vicinity for at least a couple of days after the procedure. This might be because the surgeon wants to carry out a post-op check 24-48 hours afterward, or simply because you might want a day or so to get over the operation. 

The practicalities of traveling for cataract surgery

Whether you choose to fly or travel by road for cataract surgery, there are some practicalities to consider.

• If possible, travel with a companion: Not only will they provide moral support, but it’s a person to keep an eye on you (pun intended!) in the following 24 hours and make sure that your recovery is progressing as it should.
• If driving, don’t drive yourself: While you may be safe to get back behind the wheel in as little as 24 hours, this shouldn’t be relied upon. While many people can drive again very soon after surgery, there are instances where you’ll have to wait a little longer. Therefore, having a driver will negate any issues that might arise.
• Whether or not to travel for your 6-week post-checkup: Your surgeon will want to see you a few weeks after the operation to check if everything is in order. You may wish to travel back to see them in person—but they may be able to arrange for this to be done by an ophthalmologist closer to your home. This should be discussed during the pre-operative phase.
• Check that your travel insurance is valid: This is likely to be the case, but it’s advisable to let your insurer know that you’re traveling to undergo a medical procedure.

Join the Many Patients Who Travel for Cataract Surgery at the West Boca Eye Center

As one of the best cataract surgeons in the world, Dr Brent Bellotte of the WBEC treats many patients who travel to take advantage of his world-leading operations and aftercare. Apart from his clinic expertise, one of the major reasons people travel to the Florida clinic is thanks to the advanced facilities and techniques on offer.

Indeed, as an academic-grade clinic and because Bellotte plays a globally important role in the development and advancement of cataract procedures, many cutting-edge techniques are often available at the WBEC well before they become mainstream.

However, Bellotte and the team are also committed to helping people find and research great cataract surgeons closer to home.

Visit https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/best-cataract-surgeons to take advantage of a simple-to-use tool that will help you find great surgeons in your area. Or, if you’d like to discuss being treated by Dr Bellotte, call our friendly team today.

Every surgical cataract procedure is tailored to the individual. This is because each of us has unique needs.

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