LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular elective procedure for correcting vision, freeing many people from the need for glasses or contact lenses. For individuals planning a family, the timing of this surgery in relation to conception is a frequent consideration. The best time for LASIK is when the body and eyes are in a state of maximum stability, which is not typically the case during pregnancy. Ensuring the stability of the surgical outcome and the safety of the developing fetus are the primary concerns guiding the recommended waiting period.
Recommended Waiting Period
The general recommendation is to wait a minimum of three to six months after LASIK surgery before attempting to become pregnant. This time frame is established to ensure the complete healing and stabilization of the corneal tissue following the laser reshaping procedure. Full visual stability can take several months to achieve as the eye settles into its new corrected shape.
During this recovery period, temporary side effects, such as post-operative dry eye, are resolving. Waiting the full recommended time allows for any necessary post-operative adjustments or enhancements to be completed. Consulting with both the eye surgeon and the obstetrician is advised to create a personalized timeline.
Why Hormonal Changes Require Delay
Pregnancy involves substantial hormonal shifts, primarily in estrogen and progesterone, which can directly affect the anatomy and function of the eye. These hormonal fluctuations can lead to fluid retention throughout the body, including within the cornea itself.
The cornea may temporarily increase in thickness and change in curvature due to this fluid retention, which can alter the eye’s refractive power. Such changes can cause fluctuating vision or a temporary shift in the prescription, even after a successful LASIK procedure. This instability poses a risk to the long-term success of the surgery, potentially leading to a regression of the vision correction.
The hormone relaxin, which softens ligaments and joints, has also been shown to affect the cornea’s biomechanical properties. This softening effect can contribute to the temporary visual changes experienced during pregnancy. By waiting until hormone levels have returned to their non-pregnant baseline, the surgeon ensures the LASIK results are based on a stable state, maximizing the chance of a lasting correction.
Post-Surgery Medication and Pregnancy Safety
Following LASIK, patients are routinely prescribed a regimen of topical medications, including antibiotic and corticosteroid eye drops, to prevent infection and manage inflammation. These medications are critical for a successful and complication-free recovery.
While the systemic absorption of these eye drops is typically low, the use of medications, especially corticosteroids, is approached with caution during the early stages of fetal development. The first trimester is a period of heightened sensitivity for the developing fetus.
The waiting period ensures that the patient has completed the full course of these necessary post-operative drops and is no longer reliant on them before conception occurs. This approach eliminates the theoretical risk of trace amounts of medication reaching the developing baby. Prioritizing the completion of the medication cycle before attempting to conceive is a measure of precaution to support fetal health.