If you’re a woman contemplating laser eye surgery and wondering whether your pregnancy might affect your ability to have the procedure, you’re not alone. Pregnancy is a thrilling period filled with anticipation as you get ready to welcome a new baby. However, it can also come with significant changes to your body, including your vision, which is probably why you might’ve been asking Googling, “Can you get laser eye surgery when pregnant?”
This article will explore this question and help you understand the best possible action for your eye health.
Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery When Pregnant?
While it might be tempting to seek laser eye surgery during pregnancy, most eye doctors and surgeons recommend postponing the procedure until after you give birth. Here are several reasons why it’s best not to get laser eye surgery while pregnant:
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous hormonal fluctuations that can affect your vision. You may experience symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes, making it difficult to obtain the accurate measurements necessary for successful laser eye surgery.
Fluid Retention And Eye Changes
As a pregnant woman, you might notice that fluid retention can alter the shape of your cornea. These changes can complicate the accuracy of the surgical measurements, potentially affecting the procedure’s outcome. With your body undergoing such transformations, predicting how your vision will stabilise post-surgery becomes more challenging.
Increased Risk Of Complications
Any surgery during pregnancy carries potential risks. Although laser eye surgery is generally comfortable, the hormonal and physical changes linked with pregnancy can increase the likelihood of complications. Your priority should be the health and safety of both yourself and your unborn child.
Gestational Diabetes And Vision Health
If you happen to develop gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, it can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy. This eye disease affects the blood vessels in the retina and may cause significant vision changes. Focusing on your overall health and vision is crucial before considering laser eye surgery.
Blood Circulation Changes
Blood circulation increases during pregnancy, which can lead to variations in how your eyes react to medications used during laser eye surgery, such as eye drops. These changes can affect the quality and success of the procedure, reinforcing the need to wait until after childbirth.
When Is It Best To Get Laser Eye Surgery After Pregnancy?
You may be wondering when the best time is to schedule your LASIK eye surgery after giving birth. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
Wait For Hormones To Stabilise
It’s generally advisable to wait at least three to six months after giving birth before considering laser eye surgery. This timeframe allows your body to recover from the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Timing With Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, it’s essential to discuss the timing of your surgery with your eye doctor. Hormonal fluctuations can continue during breastfeeding, so ensuring that your body has fully stabilised before undergoing surgery is crucial.
Monitor Vision Changes
After your baby arrives, monitor any changes in your vision. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor will allow you to assess the stability of your eyesight and determine the best timing for laser eye surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear contact lenses during pregnancy?
It is typically okay to wear contact lenses during pregnancy. However, hormonal changes may cause discomfort or dryness, so it’s best to consult your eye doctor if you experience any issues.
Will pregnancy affect my vision permanently?
You may experience temporary vision changes during pregnancy, but your vision should return to normal or stabilise after childbirth. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor will help monitor any changes.
What are the possible issues of laser eye surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are issues associated with laser eye surgery like dry eyes, glare, halos, starbursts around lights, and fluctuating vision. More serious problems such as infection, corneal scarring, or vision loss can occur in rare cases. Pregnant women should discuss risks with an eye doctor to understand what to expect.
Timing Your Laser Refractive Surgery For Optimal Results
By prioritising your well-being and waiting until your body has fully recovered, you can look forward to enjoying a clearer vision in the future. Remember, your journey into motherhood is an exciting time, and taking care of your health—both for yourself and your baby—is the best choice you can make.
If you’re contemplating laser eye surgery but have questions or concerns, Dr Ed is here in Melbourne to help! Contact Dr Edward Roufail today at (03) 9071 0180 to discuss your vision goals and find the best options for you!
Note: Surgical or invasive procedures carry inherent risks. As part of our standard practice, we thoroughly discuss these risks during the consent process before any surgical procedure. Your understanding and comfort are our utmost priority.
Sources:
Moshirfar M, Rosen D B., Heiland M B., Ronquillo Y C. & Hoopes P C. 2019. Should I Get LASIK If I’m Breastfeeding? Ophthalmology and Therapy 8, 349–352. 10.1007/s40123-019-0195-5
Shmunes K, Libfraind L, Ma L, Vinciguerra R, Skurski Z, Feldman B H., Markovitz B J. & Reddy V 2024. LASIK and Pregnancy Warren N, editor. EyeWiki. Available at: https://eyewiki.org/LASIK_and_Pregnancy [Accessed November 5, 2024]
Williams S C.P. 2022. Dry Eye After LASIK. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/dry-eye-after-lasik [Accessed November 5, 2024]
