Should You Get LASIK Before Pregnancy?
Pregnancy can affect nearly every aspect of a woman’s body, including her vision. For women considering LASIK surgery, timing is an important factor, especially when planning a pregnancy. Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular and highly effective procedure used to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
But is it safe to have LASIK before pregnancy? Are there risks involved? In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between LASIK and pregnancy, the impact of hormonal changes on the eyes, and expert advice on when and whether to undergo the procedure if you are planning to conceive.
Understanding LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK is a quick, outpatient laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve how the eye focuses light onto the retina. The goal is to eliminate or reduce dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
The procedure is generally safe and has a high success rate. Recovery is fast — most people return to their daily routine within a few days. However, specific life circumstances like pregnancy can impact the results and recovery timeline.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Vision
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause several temporary eye and vision changes. These include:
- Dry eyes: Hormones can reduce tear production, making the eyes feel irritated or dry.
- Corneal thickness: Pregnancy may cause slight swelling of the cornea, altering its shape and affecting vision.
- Changes in prescription: Some women notice blurred or altered vision due to fluid retention or hormonal imbalances.
- Increased light sensitivity: Hormonal changes can heighten sensitivity to light or glare.
Most of these changes resolve naturally postpartum. However, undergoing LASIK while your body is hormonally unbalanced can lead to inaccurate vision correction and less than optimal results.
Why LASIK Before Pregnancy May Be Preferable
If you are planning to get pregnant in the near future, many ophthalmologists recommend scheduling LASIK before conception. Here’s why:
1. Stable Vision Prescription
To qualify for LASIK, your eye prescription should be stable for at least 12 months. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluctuations in your vision, so doing the procedure beforehand ensures more predictable results.
2. Smooth Recovery
Post-LASIK recovery involves using prescription eye drops and limiting certain activities. Managing this recovery without the added challenges of pregnancy — such as nausea or fatigue — makes the experience easier.
3. Clear Vision for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Being glasses- or contact-free during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period can be convenient, especially when caring for a newborn.
Considerations Before Opting for LASIK Pre-Pregnancy
While there are benefits, it's crucial to consider these points before scheduling LASIK surgery ahead of pregnancy:
1. Pregnancy Plans
Doctors usually advise waiting at least 3–6 months after LASIK before getting pregnant. This allows your eyes to heal and your vision to stabilise without the interference of pregnancy hormones.
2. Eye Health Assessment
Ensure you’re a suitable candidate for LASIK. Eye exams will check for corneal thickness, dryness, and other conditions. If your eye health isn’t optimal, you may need to delay the procedure.
3. Age and Fertility Timelines
If you’re older and already planning pregnancy soon, the timing of LASIK might need careful coordination with your gynaecologist and ophthalmologist.
Why You Should Avoid LASIK During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not the right time for LASIK for several reasons:
- Unstable hormones: They can change your eye’s shape or fluid levels, leading to inaccurate measurements.
- Medication safety: Eye drops and other medications used post-surgery might not be safe for pregnant individuals.
- Unreliable results: The surgery may not offer the expected vision correction if done when your vision is unstable.
- Increased risk of dry eyes: Hormones already cause dryness, and LASIK may worsen this condition.
It’s best to wait until postpartum and weaning to consider LASIK if you didn’t undergo the surgery before getting pregnant.
What About LASIK While Breastfeeding?
Similar to pregnancy, breastfeeding affects hormone levels and can influence vision and corneal shape. Doctors usually recommend waiting at least 3–6 months after breastfeeding stops before getting LASIK. This ensures your hormones have normalised, and your vision has stabilised.
Post-LASIK Pregnancy: Is There Any Risk?
If you had LASIK before becoming pregnant, there is no evidence suggesting that pregnancy poses any risk to your eyes or the success of the surgery. However, your vision may still fluctuate temporarily due to hormones, especially during the third trimester or while breastfeeding.
These changes usually do not impact the long-term results of the surgery.
When Should You Consider LASIK?
If you're thinking of LASIK and planning a pregnancy soon, the best approach is to:
- Get LASIK at least 3–6 months before trying to conceive
- Consult both your ophthalmologist and gynaecologist
- Ensure your prescription has been stable for at least a year
- Understand the risks of waiting vs. having the procedure beforehand
Internal Links for Further Reading:
- Are You Suitable for LASIK Surgery?
- What Age Is Best for Getting LASIK?
- Long-Term Care in LASIK Surgery
Expert Recommendations
Leading ophthalmology organisations and surgeons advise women to approach LASIK with timing in mind. If you are not yet pregnant but may be in the next year, LASIK may be beneficial. However, it’s essential to follow up with both your eye care and healthcare professionals.
FAQs
Is LASIK safe before pregnancy?
Yes, as long as your vision has been stable and you allow sufficient time for healing before conceiving, LASIK is considered safe before pregnancy.
How long should I wait after LASIK to get pregnant?
Doctors usually recommend waiting 3–6 months after LASIK before trying to conceive. This ensures proper healing and stable results.
Can I have LASIK during pregnancy?
No, LASIK is not recommended during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that can affect vision and increase the risk of complications.
Will pregnancy affect the outcome of my previous LASIK surgery?
Not permanently. Hormonal changes may cause temporary vision shifts, but these typically reverse postpartum and don’t alter your long-term LASIK results.
Should I delay LASIK if I’m planning to have a baby next year?
If you’re planning to conceive within the next 6–12 months, it's generally safe to have LASIK now. Just ensure you discuss timing with your doctor.