When can I fly after PRK?

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

Short answer

There is no published waiting period, but most people wait until the bandage lens is out and their first follow up visits are done.

None of the major published sources give a specific flying interval after PRK, so this is a surgeon call rather than a rule.

Two practical things drive the answer. First, PRK needs close follow up in the first week. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's surface ablation guidance says patients are followed closely until the epithelium is intact, usually within about 72 hours, so leaving town before those visits is the real problem, not the altitude. Second, cabin air is very dry, and StatPearls lists dry eye as one of the most common complications after laser refractive surgery, so a long flight in the first weeks can feel rough and blur your vision temporarily.

If you do fly, bring preservative free lubricating drops and all your prescribed drops in your carry on, and keep sunglasses handy for bright cabin and airport light. StatPearls also advises UV protective sunglasses for about 6 months after surgery, especially at high altitude.

When	Typical guidance
First week	Most people stay put for the day 1 and bandage lens follow up visits.
Weeks 2-4	Flying is generally comfortable, but expect dryness. Use lubricating drops often.
Any time	Carry all prescribed drops with you, and confirm timing with your surgeon before booking.

Call your surgeon now if you notice any of these

Severe or worsening eye pain after day 3 or 4, when pain should be easing rather than increasing
Pain that is not helped by your prescribed medicine or by over the counter medicine
Thick yellow, green, or crusting discharge from the eye
Vision that suddenly gets worse after it had been improving
A new white or cloudy spot visible on the cornea
The bandage contact lens falls out, folds, or moves off center before your surgeon removes it
A sudden sharp pain on waking or on opening the eye, which can signal a recurrent corneal erosion
Increasing redness, swelling of the lids, or increasing light sensitivity after the first few days
Any new flashes of light, a shower of floaters, or a curtain or shadow across your vision

These warning signs after PRK can point to problems that need same-day care. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit. If you cannot reach your surgeon's office, use their on-call line, or go to an emergency room.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology; StatPearls Publishing, NCBI Bookshelf; EyeWiki, American Academy of Ophthalmology; Journal of Current Ophthalmology

Sources

Surface Ablation: Photorefractive Keratectomy, LASEK, Epi-LASIK, and Epi-LASEK American Academy of Ophthalmology. Accessed 2026-08-25.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (StatPearls) StatPearls Publishing, NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed 2026-08-25.

When can I fly after PRK?

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