Laser eye surgery and pregnancy

Published on 16th March 2016 by Mr Manoj Mathai

Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. Pregnancy, however, also brings about wide-spread, usually temporary, changes to your body. The eye is no exception and these changes have important implications for laser eye surgery during this period. 

 So, what are the changes that pregnancy brings about?

• • Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause water retention throughout the body. This is seen in the cornea too, which alters the spectacle power of your eyes. Most people become myopic or short-sighted. Fluctuations in spectacle power and thus your vision are common. Although, these changes are small they do affect the accuracy of laser correction.
  • These hormonal changes can alter the healing response of your eyes following laser surgery and thus your predicted result. 
  • Strange but true that, whilst the body collects more fluid than it needs, the tear film becomes deficient, as tear function is altered in pregnancy – causing dry eyes.  It is crucial to have a normal tear film for successful laser surgery.
  • Your hormonal changes continue while you breast-feed your baby and can persist for up to three months after you wean off

For all the above reasons, we recommend you wait at least six months after delivery and at least three months after you wean the baby, before laser eye surgery. We want to be sure your body has returned to its natural state.

If you are considering laser eye surgery after a recent pregnancy, it is important to have a consultation with the treating surgeon. During your consultation and assessment, feel free to have a detailed chat about your treatment options.

If you would like to make an appointment or discuss laser eye surgery and pregnancy, please either call us on 01204 387467 or contact us here.

All eye surgical procedures carry a level of risk including not obtaining the desired outcome, through to varying levels of visual loss. Your eye surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits, including ones specific to your circumstances, at the time of your pre-operative consultation.