Flying for the Holidays With Glaucoma Drops: Airport Rules, Packing and Keeping Your Schedule

Glaucoma treatment only works if the drops go in every day, at about the same time. Holiday travel can scramble that routine: early flights, security lines, time zone changes and a houseful of relatives. A little planning keeps your eye pressure under control while you are away.

What the TSA allows

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip. You must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint so they can be inspected. Eye drop bottles are small, but telling the officer up front saves time and keeps your medicine with you.

Packing tips

• Carry drops on, never check them. Checked bags get lost, and some drops do not tolerate the heat or cold of a cargo hold.
• Bring extra. Pack enough for a few days beyond your trip in case of delays.
• Keep the pharmacy labels on so the medicine is easy to identify.
• Bring a written list of your drops, doses and your eye doctor’s phone number.
• Check storage needs. If any of your drops need refrigeration, ask your pharmacist how to carry them.

Keeping your schedule across time zones

• For a once-a-day drop, shift your dose gradually toward the local time, or ask your doctor how they want you to adjust.
• Set phone alarms in local time once you arrive.
• If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between them so the first one is not washed out.
• If you miss a dose, do not double up. Take the next dose as directed, and call your eye doctor if you are unsure.

Watch for warning signs while away

Sudden eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache or nausea can signal a rapid rise in eye pressure. That needs urgent care wherever you are.

Glaucoma drops are a long-term expense; this eye care costs blog explains year-end ways people budget for eye care.

I would rather a patient miss a connecting flight than a week of drops. Pack them in your carry-on and enjoy the trip.

Source: Medications (Liquid) (Transportation Security Administration). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.