Reader Question: I’m pregnant. Is it safe to get LASIK during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It’s generally not recommended to get LASIK surgery while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Here’s why:
- Hormonal changes — Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations can affect your eyes, potentially changing your vision and prescription.
- Fluid retention — Pregnancy can lead to fluid retention, which can temporarily change the shape of the cornea, making it difficult to achieve the desired vision correction.
- Medication — The medications used during, before, and after surgery haven’t been studied for safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although the risks are likely small, it’s best to avoid unnecessary medications during these periods.
Overall, the changes your body experiences during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect the outcome and effectiveness of LASIK surgery. Because of this, doctors typically recommend delaying LASIK until after these periods. This will allow your hormones to stabilize and your vision to return to its pre-pregnancy state, ensuring a more predictable outcome.
If you’re struggling with your eyesight during your pregnancy, talk to your eye doctor about alternative solutions. They may be able to offer temporary adjustments to your prescription or suggest other options to help you manage your prescription safely.
