SAFETY continued tions for returning to diving are:
solved before any diving, hyperbaric exposures, or ascent to altitude. Gas may be placed in the eye after some types of both retinal and corneal surgical procedures. Some individuals who have had an eye removed might have a hollow orbital implant placed after surgery. Hollow orbital implants may collapse when exposed to increases in pressure, and eye patients with this type of implant should avoid diving. Other types of orbital implants do not have a hollow space and do not cause problems when diving. Understanding and addressing any eye-related problems is essential to protecting our eye health and enhancing our fu- ture diving experiences. By implementing any and all preven- tive measures, we can effectively mitigate risks and promote the overall well-being of our eyes while continuing to enjoy the wonders of the underwater world for years to come. When considering eye health for scuba diving, several fac- tors are important. Divers should ensure their masks fit prop- erly to prevent water from entering and contaminating eyes, and they should be aware of potential pressure changes that As scuba divers, our eyes are portals to a world underwater so wondrous that it’s hard for non- divers to imagine. Vision is vital for both our phys- ical and emotional well-being. It enables us to navigate the world safely, connect with our sur- roundings, and find meaning in life. It is paramount to our safety and our quality of life to preserve our vision and protect our eyes. References: Ballestra, C., et al. Effect of SCUBA Diving on Oph- thalmic Parameters. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Mar 9;58(3):408. But- ler, F. SURVEY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY Volume 39. Number 5 9 March-April 1995. Butler, F. Ocular Considerations in Diving. March 2022. (Copy available on request). Butler, F. High- Pressure Ophthalmology. Divers Alert Network. Common Age-related Problems. Cleveland Clinic. DAN Staff. Cataract surgery and diving. Alert Diver AU. February 2017. Harvey, P. Common eye diseases of elderly people: identifying and treating causes of vision loss. Gerontology. 2003 Jan-Feb;49(1):1-11. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society: can affect the eyes and sinuses. Additionally, as mentioned above, individuals with certain eye con- ditions or recent eye surgeries should consult with their healthcare professional or contact DAN for advice before diving.
Cataract surgery: a procedure to remove a clouded ▪ lens and replace it with an artificial one, is generally safe and effective, with most people noticing vision improve- ment within a few days and full recovery taking about four weeks. The UHMS recommends not returning to diving for a minimum of one month after small-incision cataract surgery (the most common type of cataract sur- gery). This allows for any surgical incisions to fully heal and for any postoperative complications to resolve ( Oc- ular Considerations in Diving, Dr. Frank Butler). LASIK: a common surgical procedure that reshapes the ▪ cornea to correct vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, aiming for improved vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contact lenses. While LASIK is generally considered safe for diving, it's still important to wait for the eyes to heal completely, which typically takes a few weeks. DAN and the UHMS recommend consultation with your ophthalmologist and waiting a minimum of two weeks before returning to scuba diving following LASIK surgery.
Retinal surgery: a surgical procedure per- ▪ formed on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Avoid flying, going to high altitudes, and scuba diving after retinal surgery as advised by your doctor. DAN rec- ommends consultation with your ophthal- mologist and waiting a minimum of two months before returning to scuba diving fol- lowing retinal surgery.
Post-Right Eye Surgery
Glaucoma filtering surgery: a procedure to treat glau- ▪ coma, involves creating a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye, reducing intraocular pressure, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours in a hospital setting. Scuba diving may be risky if you have had glaucoma filtering surgery, as changes in pressure inside your diving mask as you de- scend can cause bleeding and severe damage in an eye with a glaucoma filter. The UHMS recommends con- sultation with your ophthalmologist and waiting a min- imum of two months before returning to scuba diving following glaucoma surgery. Diving in the presence of a functioning glaucoma filter entails a slightly elevated risk of complications that might impair the functioning of the filter. A point of special emphasis about diving after eye surgery is that any gas bubbles (air or other gases that might be placed in the eye for therapeutic purposes) must be completely re-
Diving Medical Guidance for the Physician. Thanks to Dr. Frank Butler for his assistance with reviewing and updating the recommended convalescent periods following eye surgery.
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