For any woman, pregnancy is a phase of excitement yet carefulness. Along with changes in a woman’s body physiology, pregnancy can also affect other parts of your health, like your eyesight. Several women, during their pregnancy, notice changes in their eyesight. These changes make them anxious if they are normal and if it is safe to get laser eye surgery while pregnant.
This blog post illustrates the query: Does a woman’s eyesight change during pregnancy? Is it safe to undergo laser eye surgery during pregnancy?
Vision Changes During Pregnancy
It is pretty common for pregnant women to experience visual changes during their pregnancy. These changes can range from mild to more pronounced and usually occur due to hormonal fluctuations and fluid retention. Some common vision changes that may occur during pregnancy include:
Blurred vision: Blurriness can result from fluid retention, affecting the cornea’s shape and thickness. This can temporarily impact your ability to focus clearly.
Dry eyes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can reduce tear production, leading to dryness and discomfort in the eyes.
Increased sensitivity to light: Pregnant women may find themselves more sensitive to bright lights, leading to discomfort and the need for sunglasses.
Prescription changes: Some women may experience temporary shifts in their prescription, affecting their ability to see clearly at certain distances.
It is important to note that these vision changes are usually temporary and often resolve on their own after pregnancy. However, it is advised to consult with an eye care professional to ensure there are no underlying issues contributing to these changes.
Safety of Laser Eye Surgery During Pregnancy
Among the most common queries of pregnant women, one pertinent question that needs to be answered by an Eye specialist includes: Is it safe to go for laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, during pregnancy? Well, eye doctors generally recommended to avoid undergoing these procedures while pregnant. The primary concern is the lack of substantial research on the effects of laser eye surgery on pregnancy and the developing fetus.
During laser eye surgery, numbing eye drops and medications may be used, which can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream. Although the systemic absorption is minimal, there is still a theoretical risk of harm to the developing baby. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the cornea’s shape and thickness, potentially impacting the accuracy of the surgical procedure and the overall outcome.
Furthermore, fluctuating hormone levels and changes in fluid retention can make it difficult to determine an accurate prescription for laser eye surgery. Before considering elective eye surgeries, a stable vision for at least a year is essential.
Considering these factors, most eye care professionals recommend waiting until after pregnancy and the conclusion of breastfeeding, if applicable, before pursuing laser eye surgery.
Managing Vision Changes during Pregnancy
While laser eye surgery may not be advisable during pregnancy, there are several ways to manage vision changes and ensure optimal eye health:
- Regular eye exams: Schedule regular appointments with your eye care professional to monitor any changes in your vision and ensure the health of your eyes.
- Wear corrective eyewear: If your prescription changes during pregnancy, consider wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision until it stabilizes.
- Use lubricating eye drops: To alleviate dryness and discomfort, use preservative-free lubricating eye drops recommended by your eye care professional.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection to shield your eyes from bright lights and reduce sensitivity.
- Practice good eye hygiene: Maintain proper eye hygiene by keeping your eyes clean, avoiding excessive rubbing, and removing makeup before sleep.
Blog Summary
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through several changes., including short-term eyesight changes. Even though these changes are usually safe and go away on their own after pregnancy, it is vital to keep an eye on them and talk to an eye doctor. Laser eye surgery should not be done while a woman is pregnant or nursing. This is to ensure that both the mother and the baby are safe. Taking good care of your eyes and getting professional advice will help you deal with any changes in your vision and keep your eyes healthy during this happy time. At the eye department of Max Eye Hospital in Bathinda, our Eye surgeons, led by Dr Kashish Gupta, frequently attend cases of pregnant women coming for eye checkups and taking consultations on whether to go for Laser eye surgery like Lasik during pregnancy.
