If you’re considering LASIK, you may be wondering if pregnancy is the right time to get it. With fluctuating hormones and changes in vision, many women question whether they should proceed with surgery or wait until after delivery.
While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, most eye doctors advise waiting until after pregnancy. Hormonal shifts can temporarily affect your eyesight, and certain medications used during and after surgery may not be recommended during pregnancy. Understanding how pregnancy impacts your vision and healing process can help you make the best decision for your long-term eye health.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Vision
Pregnancy can cause temporary vision changes due to hormonal fluctuations, fluid retention, and increased blood circulation. These effects may not be permanent, but they can impact the accuracy of LASIK.
Changes in Vision Prescription
Hormones during pregnancy can cause the cornea to swell, leading to minor vision shifts. Some women experience nearsightedness or farsightedness that wasn’t present before. Since LASIK reshapes the cornea based on your prescription, having surgery while your vision is unstable could result in an inaccurate correction.
Increased Dry Eye
Many pregnant women develop dry eye syndrome due to hormonal changes. Since LASIK can temporarily worsen dry eye symptoms, this could make the healing process more uncomfortable and prolong recovery.
Sensitivity to Medications
LASIK requires numbing eye drops, and post-surgery care may involve antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications. While these drugs are typically safe, there is limited research on their effects during pregnancy. To avoid unnecessary risks, most doctors recommend postponing elective procedures like LASIK.
Why Doctors Recommend Waiting
Unstable Vision Can Affect Results
Since pregnancy-related vision changes are temporary, undergoing LASIK now could lead to less-than-optimal results. Many women find that their vision returns to normal a few months after giving birth.
Potential Risks from Medications
Even though LASIK is a quick procedure, the medications used during surgery and recovery could enter your bloodstream. While the risks are low, doctors prefer to minimize any exposure to unnecessary medications during pregnancy.
Healing May Take Longer
Pregnancy affects immune function and healing ability. Because your body is already undergoing so many changes, it may take longer to recover from LASIK, increasing the risk of discomfort or complications.
When Should You Get LASIK?
The best time to get LASIK is after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most doctors recommend waiting until:
- At least three to six months postpartum to allow your vision to stabilize.
- You have finished breastfeeding, as hormones related to lactation can also affect eyesight.
- Your eye prescription has remained stable for at least a year before surgery.
If you’re considering LASIK, schedule an eye exam after pregnancy to determine if your vision has returned to normal.
What to Do in the Meantime
If your vision is bothering you during pregnancy, there are safe alternatives:
- Update your prescription glasses to accommodate temporary vision changes.
- Use lubricating eye drops to relieve dry eyes, but make sure they are pregnancy-safe.
- Switch to daily disposable contact lenses if your regular ones feel uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
LASIK is an excellent option for permanent vision correction, but pregnancy is not the best time for surgery. Hormonal changes can temporarily affect eyesight, and certain medications used during the procedure may not be recommended for pregnant women.
If you’re planning to have LASIK, the safest approach is to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding when your vision is stable. Contact Art of Optiks today to learn more about your LASIK options and the best time for your procedure!
