Can Pregnant Women Undergo LASIK Eye Surgery?

Q: Can Pregnant Women Undergo LASIK Eye Surgery?

Hello： Regarding your question, the response is as follows： Generally, it is not recommended to undergo laser surgery for myopia during pregnancy for the following reasons： 1. <br>During pregnancy, it is best to avoid additional sources of stress, including surgical interventions

Is it safe to undergo laser eye surgery for myopia during pregnancy?

yú, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/03

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Regarding your question, the response is as follows: Generally, it is not recommended to undergo laser surgery for myopia during pregnancy for the following reasons: 1.
During pregnancy, it is best to avoid additional sources of stress, including surgical interventions.
2.
Existing literature indicates that during pregnancy, the average thickness of the cornea increases by approximately 3%, with a more pronounced increase as pregnancy progresses towards the end.
3.
Corneal edema can affect the measurement of refractive error prior to surgery, leading to inaccurate measurements that may impact surgical outcomes.
4.
During pregnancy, eyelid edema can lead to increased inflammation of the eyelids, disrupting the secretion of the lipid layer and making the aqueous layer of the tear film more prone to evaporation.
Maintaining cleanliness becomes more challenging, thus making surgery inadvisable.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.
Liu Jing-Hsiu, Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei City Hospital Zhongxing Branch, Taiwan.

Reply Date: 2004/11/03

More Info

Pregnant women are generally advised against undergoing LASIK eye surgery, and there are several reasons for this recommendation. The primary concern is the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can affect the eyes and the cornea. These changes may lead to fluctuations in vision and corneal thickness, making it difficult to achieve accurate measurements for the surgery.
During pregnancy, women experience increased levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can cause the cornea to swell or change shape. This phenomenon, known as corneal edema, can lead to temporary changes in vision. As a result, the refractive error (the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) may not be stable during pregnancy, which can lead to inaccurate surgical outcomes if LASIK is performed.
Moreover, the recovery process after LASIK can also be influenced by pregnancy. Hormonal changes can affect the healing process, potentially leading to complications such as dry eyes or delayed recovery of vision. Pregnant women may also be more susceptible to infections, which could pose additional risks during the surgical procedure and recovery period.

In addition to these physiological changes, there are also practical considerations. Many eye care professionals recommend postponing elective surgeries like LASIK until after childbirth and breastfeeding. This is to ensure that the woman’s vision stabilizes post-pregnancy, allowing for a more accurate assessment of her refractive error.
For women who wear contact lenses, it is common to experience discomfort during pregnancy due to dry eyes or changes in the shape of the cornea. As mentioned in previous discussions, it may be advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses during pregnancy, especially if they cause discomfort or exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Instead, glasses can be a more comfortable and safer option during this time.

If a pregnant woman is considering LASIK surgery, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional who can evaluate her individual situation. They can provide guidance on the best timing for the procedure, taking into account her overall eye health, the stability of her vision, and her plans for breastfeeding.

In summary, while LASIK eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure for many individuals, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women due to the potential for hormonal changes to affect vision stability and healing. It is best to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure the best possible outcomes for eye health and vision correction.

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