The short answer
No. You must not fly while there is a gas bubble in your eye after retinal surgery. At altitude the cabin pressure falls, the gas expands, and the pressure inside the eye can rise high enough to damage sight permanently. You need to wait until your surgeon confirms the bubble has fully gone, which can take weeks depending on the gas used. Silicone oil does not expand in the same way, so the advice for oil is different; ask your surgeon.
Ask about retinal detachment surgeryMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why flying is dangerous with gas
Gases used in retinal surgery are chosen to stay in the eye for a set time. As air pressure drops, gas expands. In a sealed eye, that pushes up the eye pressure, which can cut off blood flow to the optic nerve and retina. This is why airlines, surgeons and guidance all say no flying with gas in the eye. The same applies to going up into high mountains.
How long you may need to wait
It depends on the gas. Your surgeon will tell you which one was used and roughly how long it lasts. You will usually see the bubble shrink as a line moving down your vision. Wait until your surgeon has examined you and confirmed it has gone completely before booking any flight.
Planning around it
- If you live abroad and are having surgery in Nigeria, or travelling within Nigeria, plan a stay of some weeks before returning by air
- Road travel at low altitude is usually fine, but long journeys can make head positioning hard. Ask your surgeon
- Many hospitals give you a wristband warning about the gas. Wear it
- If you need any other operation, tell the anaesthetist: nitrous oxide must not be used while gas is in the eye
Silicone oil is different
Silicone oil does not expand with altitude in the same way, so flying is often possible with oil, if your surgeon agrees. The oil usually needs removing in a later operation, so plan travel around that too.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Can I fly if the bubble is very small now?
Not until your surgeon confirms it has gone completely. Even a small amount of gas can expand dangerously.
Is it safe to drive up to Jos or the Obudu plateau?
Large rises in altitude can also expand the gas. Ask your surgeon before travelling to high ground.
What if I have an emergency and must fly?
Speak to your surgeon first. Flying with gas in the eye risks permanent loss of sight, and no airline should carry you knowingly.
Can I have the surgery on Mezo if I live abroad?
You can book and pay online. Plan to stay in Nigeria until the surgeon clears you to fly. The retina surgeon quotes the operation in writing after the assessment.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Vitrectomy. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Patient information.
- Detached retina (retinal detachment). NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.