LASIK is a leading procedure to correct vision impairment and reduce people’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. You may be considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision problems, but wonder if you can get LASIK while pregnant. Our comprehensive guide will discuss what LASIK is, its potential risks, whether it is safe to undergo while pregnant, and any special considerations relating to LASIK during pregnancy.
LASIK and Pregnancy
It is not generally recommended for pregnant women to undergo LASIK surgery while pregnant. Pregnancy comes hand in hand with hormonal fluctuations, which can alter the shape and thickness of the cornea. Because LASIK specifically targets the cornea, procedures performed during pregnancy may result in less effective treatment and an increased risk of complications. Waiting until after childbirth and breastfeeding to have your surgery done allows your eyes time to return to normal and creates a foundation for more effective treatment.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK is a blade-free laser eye surgery used to permanently change the shape of your cornea. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The laser is specially designed to take on the task of correcting your vision while safeguarding the delicate components that make up your eye. The laser removes excess tissue from your cornea so light can focus properly on the retina and improve your vision.
What Happens During LASIK Surgery?
During the procedure, an eye surgeon will cut a flap in the cornea using a specialized laser. A hinge is left so the flap can be folded back to reveal the stroma. A computer-controlled laser is deployed to send pulses to a portion of the stroma to vaporize it, and then the flap is replaced.
Factors Related to LASIK and Pregnancy
As stated, it is best to avoid LASIK treatment while pregnant. During pregnancy, your hormones are constantly fluctuating, and these variances can distort the curvature of your cornea. This factor is a pivotal part of determining the optimal refractive correction, which is crucial information for achieving the best outcome possible.
Pregnancy has also been known to affect the thickness of your cornea due to the fluctuation of fluid retention. An accurate measure of corneal thickness is a vital component of the success of your operation. If your cornea is too thin, the procedure may pose a safety risk.
LASIK and Your Baby
LASIK is not inherently harmful to a developing pregnancy. However, medications that have to be taken before, during, and after may have negative consequences. In addition to oral pain medication, it is common for anesthetic eye drops, antibiotics, and steroids to be prescribed at various points of the process. Some individuals are given a sedative to help them relax and ease any post-operative anxiety.
These medications have the potential to harm your pregnancy, so it is best to avoid them. More information is needed to determine the specific impact these medications have on a growing baby. With the effects being largely unknown, the safest practice is to avoid LASIK until childbirth and breastfeeding have concluded.
How Long After Pregnancy Should You Wait Before Having LASIK?
Your surgeon will officially determine the following, but generally, healthcare providers recommend that one of three criteria be met before undergoing LASIK treatment:
- Childbirth occurs
- A menstrual period has occurred following your pregnancy
- You are no longer breastfeeding for approximately one month
You and your doctor will discuss when the right time is for you to have LASIK following your pregnancy. Allowing these milestones to take place prior to your surgery allows your hormones to return to normal and gives your medical team the opportunity to get the most precise measurements available. This sets you up for a successful surgery and the best possible outcomes.
When Might LASIK be Considered During Pregnancy?
- A discussion has taken place about the benefits and drawbacks of having LASIK while pregnant.
- You understand the risks involved with LASIK during pregnancy.
- The prescription strength of your glasses has not changed in a minimum of one year.
- There was nothing of concern during assessments and examinations.
- You opt to forego any preoperative sedatives.
Things to Remember About LASIK During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant and are considering LASIK, you must ensure you have a complete understanding of the risks and benefits. Speak with our widely recognized surgeon about LASIK surgery and schedule a consultation if you have any questions.