Can I Have Laser Eye Surgery If I Am Pregnant Or Breastfeeding?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mvCGVfHLW8&w=320&h=240

Mr Glenn Carp explains pregnancy and Laser Eye Surgery.

It’s a cliche but this really has changed my life! My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner! There was no pain during the procedure or after and my eyesight now is better than when I wore contact lenses! It’s amazing to wake up in the morning and be able to see without trying to find my glasses!

– Fiona Davis

Pregnancy or breast-feeding is essentially a relative contraindication to Laser Eye Surgery and there are number of reasons for this. During pregnancy, hormonal flux within the body can cause collagen fibers to relax and become more supple, which in turn can cause refractive changes in the cornea. These normally revert back to the preoperative level once the pregnancy status has passed. In addition, in the early phase in the first trimester, we use topical antibiotic treatments after the treatment for a period of a week. While these topical antibiotic drugs are not known to have a negative effect on the unborn child, we tend to remain cautious. We tend to avoid performing Laser Eye Surgery when women are pregnant especially if they are within the first trimester of pregnancy.

Suitability Explained Further…

Laser treatment is inadvisable until around 3 months after breastfeeding is complete. Increased hormonal activity during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect vision, and the drugs used in consultation can pass across to the baby.

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16/07/2012
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Can I Have Laser Eye Surgery If I Am Pregnant Or Breastfeeding? [video]

2 Comments
  1. Raul Garcia 21/02/2017 at 05:12

    Can you breast-feed the baby while you do eye laser surgery.
    What are the consequences ?

    • Bethany Kingsley 21/02/2017 at 09:36

      Hi Raul,
      We ask that you have stopped breastfeeding for around 3 months before undertaking surgery. The hormones can cause fluctuations in your vision so it is best to wait until you have stopped breastfeeding to ensure your presctription is stable. If you would like more information, please call the clinic on 020 7224 1005.
      Thanks,
      London Vision Clinic

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