How Soon After Cataract Surgery Can You Safely Get Pregnant?

Q: How Soon After Cataract Surgery Can You Safely Get Pregnant?

Hello： If your ophthalmologist believes that cataract surgery is not urgently needed, you can address it after childbirth. <br>Continuous follow-up examinations should pose minimal risk. <br>However, it is possible that the cataract may worsen during pregnancy, leading to poor vi

How long after cataract surgery for high myopia can one conceive?

Hello, Doctor.
Due to my high myopia, several years ago my intraocular pressure was normal, but I had a defect in the upper left part of my right eye, so I have been continuously using glaucoma eye drops.
My left eye originally had a prescription of -11.00, and a year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with nuclear cataracts, with my myopia rapidly increasing and blurred vision.
The current refraction exceeds the machine's measurable range, while my right eye is at -11.50 and is now also showing signs of mild cataract progression, although it can still be corrected with glasses.
However, I experience double vision when looking at distant lights.

The issue is that I am older and currently undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, preparing for embryo implantation.
During this period, I will be using hormonal medications and short-term steroids for about three months.
I am unsure how long I should wait after cataract surgery on my left eye before proceeding with the embryo implantation for safety.
Would you recommend waiting until after pregnancy and childbirth to perform the surgery? The ophthalmologist mentioned that the cataract is not urgent and that it is up to me to decide.
If I indeed postpone the surgery until after childbirth, will there be any risks involved? Thank you for your response, Doctor.

An An, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/04

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: If your ophthalmologist believes that cataract surgery is not urgently needed, you can address it after childbirth.
Continuous follow-up examinations should pose minimal risk.
However, it is possible that the cataract may worsen during pregnancy, leading to poor vision, which would prevent surgical intervention.
If considering cataract surgery followed by lens implantation, the systemic effects of postoperative ophthalmic medications are minimal.
Once you have stabilized after surgery and no longer require medication, you can consider lens implantation, which should not take too long and is also feasible.
This approach may be relatively safer.

Reply Date: 2023/04/04

More Info

When considering the timing of pregnancy after cataract surgery, several factors come into play, particularly in the context of your specific medical history and current treatments. Cataract surgery is generally a safe procedure with a quick recovery time, but the decision to conceive afterward should be made with careful consideration of both your eye health and the medications you may be using.

Cataract surgery typically involves the removal of the cloudy lens of the eye and replacement with an artificial lens. Most patients experience significant improvement in vision shortly after the procedure, often within a few days. However, full stabilization of vision can take several weeks to months. It is essential to follow your ophthalmologist's post-operative care instructions, which may include the use of eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.

Given your situation, where you are undergoing fertility treatments and may be using hormonal medications and corticosteroids, it is crucial to discuss these aspects with both your fertility specialist and your ophthalmologist. Hormonal treatments can affect your body in various ways, including potential impacts on your eye health and recovery from surgery. Corticosteroids, while effective for reducing inflammation, can also have side effects that may complicate your overall health and recovery.

In general, it is advisable to wait at least a few weeks after cataract surgery before attempting to conceive. This waiting period allows your eyes to heal properly and ensures that your vision has stabilized. If you are planning to undergo embryo transfer as part of your fertility treatment, it may be best to coordinate the timing of this procedure with your eye surgery. Ideally, you should aim to have your cataract surgery completed and your vision stabilized before proceeding with embryo implantation.

If your ophthalmologist has indicated that your cataracts are not urgent, you might consider delaying the surgery until after you have completed your fertility treatments and any subsequent pregnancy. This approach could minimize any potential risks associated with hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and the recovery process from eye surgery. However, it is essential to weigh this against the potential for your cataracts to worsen over time, which could impact your vision and quality of life.

In summary, the decision on when to proceed with cataract surgery in relation to your fertility treatments and potential pregnancy should be made collaboratively with your healthcare providers. They can help you assess the risks and benefits based on your specific circumstances, including your eye health, the medications you are taking, and your overall reproductive goals. Always prioritize open communication with your medical team to ensure that you are making informed decisions that align with your health and family planning aspirations.

Similar Q&A

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?

Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask you a few questions. Two weeks ago, I underwent a surgical abortion (at five weeks of pregnancy), and I have some post-operative concerns that I hope you can clarify for me: 1. If I want to conceive again, how many weeks after the surgical abo...

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Theoretically, it takes about three cycles (approximately three months) for ovulatory function to return to normal; however, there have been instances where individuals became pregnant immediately after, with only three weeks between miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy. 2. Th...

Is It Safe to Get Pregnant Two Months After General Anesthesia?

After general anesthesia for a surgery lasting approximately 3 hours, the body typically takes about 24 hours to metabolize the anesthetic agents completely. However, the effects of anesthesia can vary depending on the specific drugs used and individual patient factors. Regardin...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it generally has little impact, and it will have even less impact after two months. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant Right After Tubal Removal?

On April 18, 2016, a right salpingectomy was performed due to an ectopic pregnancy. Intercourse occurred on April 28 and 30, and menstruation has not yet occurred. Is it possible to be pregnant again? If not pregnant, how long after the procedure can menstruation be expected to r...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, the chances of pregnancy are not very high. I recommend that you take appropriate contraceptive measures. If your period has not returned after one and a half months post-surgery, it is still necessary to take a urine test to check for pregnancy....

Can You Get Pregnant After Cold Knife Polypectomy?

I had a cold knife excision of a uterine polyp on September 26. If I had intercourse in mid-October, is it possible that I could be pregnant? My period is already about 5 days late.

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if there is a chance of pregnancy, you can confirm it with a pregnancy test. Wishing you good health.