Corneal hydrops and flying

[pern]

I've had kerataconus in both eyes for over twenty years now, my left eye being worse than my right. I wear RGP lenses in both eyes.

On Friday, I developed corneal hydrops in my left eye for the first time and attended the urgent care clinic at my local eye hospital. The consultant I saw was very good and explained what had happened which was reassuring (and I could tell my wife that no, I hadn't developed a cataract overnight...)

She did say that my eye was now "fragile" and that I should avoid contact sports. What I didn't think about until this afternoon is that I'm due to fly to the USA in a couple of week's time - is anyone aware of any problems that this might cause? I know about the dry air on planes - I normally remove my lenses and use artificial tears. I am more concerned about air pressure changes during the flight.

I have a follow-up appointment a couple of days before my flight and will of course be asking the consultant then, but would feel better if someone has any experience (good news or bad).

Cheers
Pern

[Anne Klepacz]

Hello Pern and welcome to the forum!
I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question, but several people here have had hydrops so I hope they'll be able to help. And I do hope the hydrops doesn't take too long to clear. All the best.
Anne

[pern]

Thanks for the welcome Anne.

Update #1
My wife had a conversation with my optician who said that he thought that flying would be OK as long as the plane was pressurised and there was no sudden loss of cabin pressure (and as he rightfully pointed out, if that happened we'd probably have more things to worry about than my eye...)

I'll still raise the issue with the consultant when I see her next (two days before my flight) but things are looking more positive now.

[pern]

Update #2

I had my follow-up appointment at the Urgent Eye Care Clinic today. Frustratingly they had lost my notes from my last visit.
The person I saw said there was no problem with flying, so that's a relief. I've been given Chloramphenicol ointment (which seems a little odd, since there's no infection) and I've been referred to the local corneal specialist. I can't wear my lens until I see the specialist (which probably won't be for another 6 weeks or so) which isn't great.

On a different note, I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to this forum - especially the "regulars". I've learned a lot recently, most especially the fact that no matter how bad I think my eyes are sometimes, I'm really quite lucky compared to others.

Cheers,
Pern

[Andrew MacLean]

Pern

thank you for keeping us in touch with your progress, and it is good to know that you have a 'green light' for flying. All the best when you see your cornea specialist.

Andrew