Air Transportation After Eye Surgery-Reply

In Reply.— Dr Roper is correct in noting that the danger of air travel after recent eye surgery is expansion of gas bubbles remaining within the eye as the ambient pressure decreases. All such patients should be examined and cleared by an ophthalmologist before attempting to travel aboard pressurized or nonpressurized aircraft. Incidentally, this caution also applies to transportation by air ambulance services. The Commission on Emergency Medical Services' somewhat sweeping statement was made to ensure an ophthalmologist's clearance on every patient.