Can I Have LASIK if I’m Still Breastfeeding?

Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of changes to a woman’s body, from the all-too-familiar morning sickness to the sudden surge of fatigue that seems to take over the entire day. As the body adjusts to nurturing new life, it’s not uncommon for things like heartburn, swollen ankles and mood swings to become part of the daily routine. But there’s one symptom that often gets overlooked: changes in vision. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to blurry vision or even a shift in prescription, leaving new mothers wondering if it’s safe to undergo LASIK surgery while breastfeeding. Let’s explore the connection between pregnancy, breastfeeding and eye health, and what you need to know before making that decision.  

During pregnancy, estrogen and testosterone levels increase; this can lead to temporary changes in the eyes. Pregnancy also causes the body to increase blood volume which can affect the blood vessels in the eyes which may cause a reduction in tear production leading to swelling, dry eye and discomfort. Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, a condition that causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate which may affect vision. One of the most notable changes is fluid retention in the cornea that can result in changes in shape or thickness. Corneal thickness matters when it comes to LASIK. There must be enough cornea left after the tissue is removed to maintain structural integrity. The depth of the laser ablation varies depending on the degree if the correction needed; if the cornea is too thin, the surgery may not be a safe option as complications such as keratoconus (corneal bulging) may occur. A healthy cornea that is typically 500-600 microns thick supports better vision correction outcomes.

After pregnancy, it can take several months for the cornea’s shape and thickness to return to normal or stabilize. During breastfeeding, the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which support milk production, can affect tear production, sometimes leading to dry eyes or blurred vision. Nursing also results in fluid loss, which can contribute to dehydration and further dryness in the eyes. Vision changes typically resolve once breastfeeding concludes or when pregnancy-related hormone levels return to their pre-pregnancy state. Antibiotics and medication eye drops are often used during and after LASIK which may transfer from the bloodstream into breast milk. Although absorption into the bloodstream is minimal, it does raise concerns about infant exposure. If surgery is approved, some mothers choose to “pump and dump” discarding breast milk post-surgery. Lastly, the body’s healing response can be affected by the hormonal shifts during lactation. Proper healing is necessary for LASIK success and unpredictable hormone levels could alter tissue recovery as well as the best corrective outcome. 

While rare exceptions can be made where a breastfeeding mother may be considered a candidate for LASIK, it is advised to wait until breastfeeding has ended, allowing hormones to stabilize and vision to remain consistent before undergoing LASIK surgery. Always consult with your eye surgeon and healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 

To learn more, contact MedEye Associates at 305-661-8588 or WEBSITE.