People in all stages of life are becoming interested in improving their vision through LASIK surgery. LASIK is always advancing in safety and effectiveness. However, LASIK eye surgery should be avoided while pregnant or within six months of becoming pregnant. LASIK should also be avoided during breastfeeding. Hormones produced during pregnancy and lactation amplify existing eye conditions. In addition, the increased fluid that a pregnant woman retains actually changes the shape of the eyeball, in turn changing vision. If a woman were to have LASIK surgery while pregnant, it would be nearly impossible to tell if any negative changes in eyesight during LASIK recovery were because of the surgery or because of the pregnancy.
Many women experience dry, itchy, or light-sensitive eyes due to the drop in estrogen that occurs during pregnancy. Because eyes are normally a little more sensitive and itchy after LASIK surgery, not only is this surgery potentially ineffective for pregnant and nursing women, but will be more uncomfortable.
Also, medication given to relieve complications related to LASIK can pass through the uterine wall to the unborn child or to the baby through breastfeeding. About two or three months after pregnancy and nursing, the body should return to normal and LASIK will once again be a safe option. Most women, however, choose to wait until they are finished having children before having LASIK. For further information on pregnancy and LASIK surgery, consult a doctor.
