Laser eye surgery can be an exciting journey towards clearer vision for many patients. Still, if you’re a pregnant woman or planning to become pregnant, you may be wondering, “Can you get laser eye surgery when pregnant?”
This article aims to provide comprehensive information about laser eye surgery, its suitability for pregnant women, and what to expect if you’re seeking treatment during pregnancy.
Understanding Laser Eye Surgery
Laser eye surgery has transformed how people correct their vision, offering a convenient alternative to glasses and contact lenses. This procedure uses advanced technology to allow light to zero in on the retina, resulting in clearer vision.
Laser surgery is available in different varieties. Each procedure has its own distinct advantages and considerations.
LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK surgery is one of the most known forms of laser eye surgery. It involves making a very thin flap in the eye’s cornea to reshape the underlying tissue. Many patients experience a quick recovery and significant improvement in vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is another type of laser refractive surgery suitable for patients with thinner corneas. Instead of creating a flap, the cornea’s outer layer is removed, and the laser reshapes the cornea beneath. The outer layer eventually regenerates over time.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
SMILE is minimally invasive laser eye surgery that involves creating a small cut in the cornea to get a tiny piece out of corneal tissue. It generally has a quick recovery time and reduced risk of complications.
Can You Get Laser Eye Surgery When Pregnant?
While there are no specific studies indicating that laser eye surgery poses a direct risk to an unborn child, many eye surgeons suggest that it’s ideal to have women wait until after giving birth and, ideally, until they have finished breastfeeding to undergo the procedure.
Here’s why:
- Hormonal Changes: A woman’s body undergoes hormonal fluctuations that may affect the shape and thickness of the cornea. These changes may result in blurred vision, dry eyes, or increased sensitivity to light. Moreover, fluid retention may cause temporary vision changes, making assessing the final measurements needed for laser eye surgery challenging.
- Effects Of Medications: The medications used during and after LASIK, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops, have not been extensively tested on pregnant women. There is a potential risk that these medications could affect fetal development, making it better to wait until after pregnancy to seek the procedure.
- Unpredictable Results: Due to the changes above in vision during pregnancy, undergoing LASIK at this time may result in less reliable outcomes. Women may not achieve their desired vision correction immediately after surgery, as their vision could change post-pregnancy.
Getting Laser Eye Surgery After Pregnancy: What To Know
If you are considering laser surgery after pregnancy, it is important to understand what to expect during the process.
- Consultation With An Eye Surgeon: The first phase is to attend a consultation with a qualified eye surgeon to discuss your medical history, vision changes during pregnancy, and any concerns you may have with hormonal changes like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), oestrogen, and more.
- Preparing For The Procedure: Once your laser eye surgery suitability is confirmed, the next steps will include providing precise eye measurements, discussing medications to avoid before the surgery, and explaining the procedure’s benefits and potential risks.
- The Surgery Day: You will arrive at the clinic for the procedure on your laser eye surgery day. Right before the surgery, your eyes will be numbed with eye drops to ensure comfort. The surgery typically takes around 30 minutes per eye.
- Recovery And Aftercare: Post-surgery recovery is an essential part of the process. Patients typically notice significant vision enhancements within a few days. However, some may experience temporary dry eyes, blurred vision, or discomfort as their eyes heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vision return to normal after pregnancy?
For many women, vision stabilises after pregnancy as hormonal levels normalise. However, some may still require vision correction after the recommended waiting period.
Is it okay to wear contact lenses during pregnancy?
Many pregnant women experience dry eyes or discomfort while wearing contact lenses due to fluid retention and hormonal changes. Discuss any discomfort with the eye doctor.
Can I undergo laser eye surgery during the first trimester of pregnancy?
It’s not recommended to undergo laser eye surgery during any stage of pregnancy, including the first trimester.
Final Thoughts On Laser Eye Surgery During Pregnancy
With the right guidance and care, you can look forward to a future of clear vision and improved quality of life. Your journey to a better vision can be an exciting time filled with possibilities for a brighter world.
Contact Eye Laser Specialists today at 03 9070 5788 to discuss any questions you have about laser eye surgery in Melbourne during pregnancy. Together, we’ll find the best path to ensure your vision is at its best at the right time!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Healthdirect Australia 2022. Laser Eye Surgery. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/laser-eye-surgery [Accessed October 8, 2024]
Moshirfar M, Rosen D B., Heiland M B., Ronquillo Y C. & Hoopes P C. 2019. Should I Get LASIK If I’m Breastfeeding? Ophthalmology and Therapy 8, 349–352. 10.1007/s40123-019-0195-5
Silver N 2021. What Causes Dry Eyes After LASIK Surgery, and How to Treat Them. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/dry-eyes-after-lasik [Accessed October 8, 2024]
U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2021. What Is LASIK? U.S. Food And Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/lasik/what-lasik [Accessed October 8, 2024]
