Laser Eye Surgery: Why Pregnant And Breastfeeding Mums Should Wait

I can only assume that pregnancy is a time when you really don’t want to be bumping into things. And if you combine that with all the other inconveniences that come with suffering from poor vision,  it quickly begins to sound like a recipe for disaster.

However, there are certain times and circumstances that make someone ineligible for Laser Eye Surgery—such as while in your teens, or taking certain medication—and being pregnant or breastfeeding is unfortunately on that list.

The procedure presents no dangers whatsoever to your baby, but rather—as we will find out—the changes that occur in the body make it impossible to conduct the surgery effectively.

Why You Should Wait

It is normal to experience hormonal imbalances during the various stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing—and I don’t just mean by the ladies. Mood swings and morning sickness are albeit unwelcome, but readily accepted as a natural part of the mothering process.

It may come as a surprise however to find that your hormones may also be wreaking havoc with your eyesight. It is not uncommon for visual acuteness to be affected, and as a result, the stability of your prescriptions to be thrown off balance.

It is believed that eyesight usually swings toward nearsightedness during pregnancy, although some moms-to-be can become more farsighted. Whatever the case may be, any vision correction treatment you get during this time would more than likely be ineffective a few months down the line.

Further to this, pregnancy is known to dry out the eyes—which is why most women can’t wear contact lenses at this time. Having Laser Eye Surgery while suffering from dry eyes can mean you won’t heal as well after the procedure.

All this goes to say that the outcome of Laser Eye Surgery is made much less predictable.

What You Can Do

To once again become a candidate for Laser Eye Surgery, it is recommended you wait until at least three months pass once you’ve stopped nursing—or following the baby’s arrival if you are not breastfeeding.

If you are attempting to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to have a consultation now as to act as a reference point for checking the level of stability of your vision later. You should also make sure you have an updated glasses prescription and a pair on hand, just in-case you start to experience dry eyes from wearing contact lenses.

Best of luck from all the team at London Vision Clinic!

If you would like to book a consultation at London Vision Clinic, or find out if you are a suitable candidate for Laser Eye Surgery, leave us a comment or give us a call us on 020 7224 1005.