For a number of reasons, it is not typically advisable for women to undergo LASIK surgery while pregnant. From an accuracy standpoint, the hormonal fluctuations that often accompany pregnancy can sometimes affect vision, ultimately making LASIK results significantly less predictable and necessitating an enhancement in the future. Furthermore, these same hormonal changes can have an effect on the eye’s ability to heal properly following surgery, which could negatively impact the recovery process and possibly compromise final outcomes.
Another concern for LASIK patients who are pregnant is postoperative medication. Typically, these medications include antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eyedrops that help prevent infection while minimizing any potential swelling during the recovery process. While these eyedrops are not generally harmful to an adult, the medication may possibly be detrimental to the baby’s development once it is passed through the mother’s placenta and into the baby’s bloodstream.
Based on all of these reasons, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal typically recommends that women refrain from undergoing LASIK surgery while pregnant. Additionally, if female patients currently are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed after pregnancy, he advises waiting a few months after the cessation of nursing to allow ample time for hormone levels to stabilize and for the cornea to return to normal.
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For more information about LASIK surgery, or to schedule a consultation at our practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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Jay C. Grochmal, MD address several common inquiries regarding LASIK surgery.
Using advanced corneal mapping and state-of-the-art laser technology, LASIK surgery generally takes only a few minutes to complete for each eye.
