Can You Get Lasik While Pregnant?

March 22, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

No, it is not recommended to get Lasik while pregnant. The procedure involves the use of a laser, which can cause harm to the fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy. Additionally, hormones associated with pregnancy can change the shape of your cornea and make it difficult for doctors to accurately measure your eyes prior to surgery.

Women who are considering getting Lasik should wait until after delivery or at least six months postpartum before proceeding with surgery. It’s important for pregnant women to talk about their vision issues with their doctor before making any decisions regarding elective eye care procedures such as Lasik.

• Step 1: Schedule an appointment with a Lasik specialist
• Make sure to inform the specialist that you are pregnant and provide them with your medical history
• Step 2: The Lasik specialist will evaluate your eyesight, general health, and pregnancy status before determining if it is safe for you to get Lasik while pregnant
• Step 3: If the doctor approves of you getting Lasik while pregnant, they will discuss any risks or side effects that may be associated with having surgery during pregnancy
• They may also recommend waiting until after giving birth in order to reduce any potential risks to both mother and baby
• Step 4: After discussing all possible options and considering the pros and cons of each route, decide whether or not now is the right time for you to get Lasik surgery while pregnant
• Step 5: Once the decision has been made, follow pre-operative instructions provided by your doctor such as avoiding medications like aspirin prior to surgery

Can you get LASIK while pregnant?

Does Lasik Eye Surgery Affect Pregnancy?

Lasik eye surgery is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, doctors advise that it should be delayed until after the pregnancy because of potential changes to vision during and after pregnancy. Lasik surgery involves reshaping the cornea with a laser beam, which can cause temporary complications such as dry eyes or infection.

While there are no known long-term effects of lasik on pregnant women, doctors typically recommend waiting until after delivery when hormones settle back to normal levels and any changes in vision due to pregnancy have stabilized before considering this type of procedure. Additionally, if you take medications or supplements while pregnant that could affect the results of your lasik treatment, these should also be discussed with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment for surgery.

How Long After Pregnancy Can You Get Lasik?

The answer to this question varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as the type of surgery, the stage of postpartum recovery, and other medical considerations. Generally speaking, it is recommended that women wait at least six months after giving birth before considering LASIK surgery. This allows your body sufficient time to heal and adjust after pregnancy.

It is also important for pregnant or nursing mothers to consult with their doctor prior to undergoing any kind of elective procedure like LASIK eye surgery. Your doctor will be able to provide more personalized advice based on your individual health history and needs.

Should I Wait Until I’M Done Having Kids to Get Lasik?

The decision to undergo LASIK surgery should always be based on your individual needs and lifestyle. While there are no definitive guidelines as to when you should wait until after having children to get LASIK, there are considerations that might influence the timing of the procedure. For example, some parents find that having better vision can help them more easily care for their children, especially if they need to drive late at night or perform any other tasks requiring clear vision.

Additionally, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s important for women considering LASIK to ensure their eyes have returned to a stable state before undergoing treatment. Ultimately, consulting with an eye care professional is recommended in order for you make an informed decision about when best timing would be for you personally.

Is Pregnancy a Contraindication for Lasik?

Pregnancy is not considered an absolute contraindication for LASIK. However, in general it is recommended to wait until after delivery and nursing before undergoing the procedure. This is because during pregnancy and lactation hormone fluctuations can cause significant fluctuations in a person’s vision, which could affect the success of the surgery.

Additionally, there are potential risks associated with anesthesia used during laser eye surgery that may pose a risk to pregnant women or their unborn child. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with an ophthalmologist who specializes in LASIK before making any decisions about whether or not to have the procedure done while pregnant.

Credit: diamondvision.com

Had Lasik And Didn’T Know I was Pregnant

If you recently had Lasik surgery and didn’t know that you were pregnant, it is important to speak to your doctor immediately. The eye-numbing drugs used during the procedure can be dangerous for a developing fetus and may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Your doctor will likely suggest monitoring the pregnancy more closely with regular ultrasounds as well as prescribing additional prenatal vitamins.

It’s also important to let your ophthalmologist know of any changes in vision during the pregnancy so they can adjust your post-op care accordingly.

How Long to Wait After Lasik to Get Pregnant

It is generally recommended that women wait at least 3 months after having Lasik eye surgery before attempting to become pregnant. This time frame gives the eyes adequate time to heal from the procedure and allows for any short-term side effects like dryness or blurred vision to subside. For those considering pregnancy in the near future, it’s important to talk to your doctor before undergoing any elective procedures so that you can plan accordingly.

Can You Get Lasik While Breastfeeding

Yes, it is safe to get Lasik while breastfeeding. However, it is important to discuss with your doctor the potential risks associated with being under anesthesia while nursing. Your doctor may advise you to avoid holding or nursing baby during the 24 hours after surgery as a precautionary measure, but typically it will not interfere with lactation in any way.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of whether you can get Lasik while pregnant is a definite no. There are many potential risks associated with this type of surgery and these risks increase when performed on pregnant women. Lasik should only be performed after consulting with a doctor who understands your current health condition, as well as any potential risks that could arise from undergoing such a procedure during pregnancy.

Ultimately, it is best to wait until after giving birth before getting Lasik done in order to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.