As an expectant mother, many questions run through the mind, one of which may be: “Is LASIK safe during pregnancy?” Vision correction surgery is an important decision for everyone, more so for a “mom to be.” There are some general concerns for pregnant women, making waiting until after childbirth a better option.

How Pregnancy Affects Vision

During pregnancy, woman’s bodies experience a great deal of hormonal fluctuations that can temporarily affect a woman’s vision. For some women this may include:

  • dry eyes
  • blurred vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • prescription changes

Additionally, it is possible for the cornea to swell, which can alter its shape and potentially impact the accuracy of LASIK surgery. Fortunately, these changes are typically temporary and most women’s corneas return to their normal shape after delivering.

Why LASIK Is Not Recommended During Pregnancy

Below are the primary reasons why we suggest LASIK should be postponed until after pregnancy:

  • Hormonal changes
    • During pregnancy, fluctuating hormones can make LASIK less predictable. This is an investment in yourself and Dr. Nunnery feels that you should make this investment when you have the highest probability of obtaining optimal results.
  • Dry eye syndrome
    • Pregnancy can exacerbate existing conditions, such as dry eye, making post-op recovery less comfortable.
  • Medications
    • Certain medications, including a light sedative during the treatment, may not be suitable for pregnant woman.

The Ideal Time to Consider LASIK

Dr. Nunnery generally recommends that women wait at least a month after childbirth to consider having LASIK eye surgery.

Want to Find Out if LASIK is an Option for You?

While LASIK is a safe and effective procedure, it is not recommended during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and potential vision instability. If you are considering LASIK, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Nunnery, a cornea specialist and LASIK surgeon, here at Providence Eye & Laser Specialists to learn more about LASIK and to see if you are an ideal candidate, either before pregnancy, or at least one month after childbirth.

Considering LASIK but unsure if it’s the right time for you

Our expert surgeon, Dr. Nunnery, here at Providence Eye & Laser, is here to provide recommendations based on your unique circumstances.