Can I Get LASIK/LASEK During Pregnancy? Precautions for Vision Correction While Breastfeeding, LASIK/LASEK for Pregnant Women

Hello, this is Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic 😊

Many of you who are going through the special time of pregnancy and childbirth

might be curious about LASIK and LASEK vision correction surgery.

From pregnant women who are focusing on prenatal care and now have time to consider vision correction,

to those who find wearing glasses or contact lenses uncomfortable after childbirth and are considering surgery,

and those wondering if vision correction surgery is possible while breastfeeding – the questions are varied.

Today, we will discuss whether LASIK/LASEK surgery is possible during pregnancy,

and what precautions to take for vision correction while breastfeeding.

Let's find out in detail.

Reasons why LASIK/LASEK surgery is not recommended during pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can occur,

leading to fluctuations in vision.

When pregnant, changes in endocrine function, decreased immunity,

and changes throughout the body also affect the ‘eyes’.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause corneal and lens edema,

leading to temporary blurred vision or a decrease in visual acuity.

In most cases, vision changes return to their original state once hormone function normalizes after childbirth,

but in some cases, vision may remain different from before pregnancy.

The problem is that if LASIK/LASEK surgery is performed while experiencing vision changes during pregnancy,

the post-operative vision correction effect may differ from expectations.

It is essential to accurately measure corneal thickness and refractive status of the eye through a precise examination before vision correction surgery,

but during pregnancy, the examination results are highly likely to be inaccurate.

Therefore, performing vision correction surgery based on inaccurate examination results

is risky, and LASIK/LASEK surgery is not recommended during pregnancy.

When is LASIK/LASEK surgery possible after childbirth?

If you are considering LASIK/LASEK surgery after childbirth, you should wait until

the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy have completely ceased.

Approximately 2-3 months after childbirth, hormone function begins to normalize,

and vision correction surgery can be considered from this point.

However, since individual body condition and recovery speed vary,

it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist for a precise examination

when you feel your condition has fully recovered.

Precautions for LASIK/LASEK surgery while breastfeeding

Even if your body has recovered after childbirth, if you are breastfeeding,

it is better to postpone vision correction surgery a little longer.

After surgery, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops must be used,

and these medications contain trace amounts of steroid components.

Of course, since they are topically applied eye drops,

the systemic absorption rate is very low, making it unlikely to cause major problems,

but the possibility of them being transferred to the baby through breast milk cannot be completely ruled out.

To prevent risks from medication use during breastfeeding,

it is safest to undergo LASIK/LASEK surgery after you have finished breastfeeding (after weaning).

Can I take eye supplements like lutein during pregnancy?

If eye fatigue occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy,

many people look for supplements for eye health, such as lutein.

When pregnant women take health supplements, they should be particularly careful about vitamin A components.

High doses of vitamin A can adversely affect the fetus,

and some studies suggest a potential for birth defects.

Many lutein supplements sold on the market

contain vitamin A, so do not take them indiscriminately during pregnancy.

It is advisable to consult with your obstetrician before deciding.

When your eyes are dry or tired, it is safer to use artificial tears or

manage by frequently closing your eyes and resting.

The periods of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are times when decisions must be made carefully

for the health of both mother and baby.

We hope you accurately understand when it is best to have surgery and what the pre- and post-operative care methods are,

to achieve the best vision correction results without any issues.

If you have any questions for healthy eyes and clear vision, feel free to consult us anytime!

Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic

is equipped with the latest equipment and a systematic examination system,

and performs surgery with genuine care for each individual through 1:1 customized consultations.

We also always prioritize the patient,

and value transparency and safety above all else.

If you have any other inquiries,

please feel free to contact the ophthalmology clinic at any time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is LASIK/LASEK surgery possible during pregnancy?

No, LASIK/LASEK surgery is not recommended during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause temporary fluctuations in vision, which can lead to inaccurate results from pre-operative precise examinations.

When can I have LASIK/LASEK surgery after childbirth?

You can consider surgery approximately 2-3 months after childbirth, when hormone function begins to normalize. However, there are individual differences, so it is best to have a precise examination when you feel your body has fully recovered.

Is it safe to have LASIK/LASEK surgery while breastfeeding?

It is advisable to postpone surgery while breastfeeding. The eye drops used after surgery contain trace amounts of steroid components, and the possibility of them being transferred to the baby through breast milk cannot be completely ruled out. It is safer to have the surgery after weaning.

Can I take eye supplements like lutein during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, caution should be exercised when taking eye supplements that contain high amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A can adversely affect the fetus, so it is advisable to consult with your obstetrician before deciding.

How should I manage dry or tired eyes during pregnancy?

When your eyes are dry or tired during pregnancy, it is safe to use artificial tears or manage by frequently closing your eyes and resting. It is best to avoid unnecessary medication.