LASIK/LASEK During Pregnancy and Menstruation: What Women Need to Know
Hello, this is Bright Eye Clinic.
Today, we're addressing a question many women often have!
Can you undergo LASIK or LASEK surgery during pregnancy or menstruation?
How does hormonal fluctuation affect the vision of women?
Among those interested in vision correction surgery, some may be planning for pregnancy.
Pregnancy, the creation of new life, requires careful preparation, especially concerning the baby's health.
Since taking medication is restricted, those considering LASIK or LASEK might worry about the impact of post-operative eye drops or oral medications on the fetus.
Today, we'll explore whether it's safe to undergo vision correction surgeries like LASIK and LASEK during menstruation, when planning for pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after childbirth.
Is LASIK/LASEK surgery difficult during menstruation?
Women of childbearing age experience hormonal changes throughout their cycle. How do these changes relate to vision, and does it make LASIK/LASEK surgery difficult?
Menstruation involves hormonal shifts that can cause emotional lows or abdominal discomfort.
However, these symptoms are unrelated to vision.
While major surgeries requiring consideration of bleeding tendencies might need menstrual cycle planning,
LASIK and LASEK are bloodless procedures, so avoiding menstruation isn't necessary.
In short, LASIK/LASEK during menstruation isn't something you must avoid!
LASIK/LASEK surgery before pregnancy?
The recommendation is to consider vision correction surgery at least three months before trying to conceive.
Pregnancy can induce myopic changes, and hormonal shifts can rarely worsen conditions like diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment in high myopia, or uveitis.
Hormonal influences during pregnancy can worsen nearsightedness or cause its recurrence after LASIK/LASEK.
Vision usually returns to normal within three months postpartum, temporary fluctuations can affect the outcome of vision correction surgery.
If pregnancy occurs soon after vision correction surgery, vision recovery may be unstable, or unwanted refractive changes can occur.
Vision stabilization after LASIK/LASEK can take weeks to months, varying from person to person.
Pregnancy during this period can hinder stabilization and reduce predictability of future vision.
LASIK/LASEK during pregnancy and after childbirth?
Many consider vision correction surgery more seriously after childbirth, as glasses can be hazardous during childcare, and lens wear can be cumbersome.
However, pregnancy causes changes in the eyes.
Temporary blurred vision or accommodation issues are common.
Hormonal changes can also reduce tear production, increasing the likelihood of dry eye.
Contact lenses absorb moisture, exacerbating dryness.
Wearing lenses during pregnancy, when tear production is already reduced, can cause significant discomfort, making lens removal difficult.
Therefore, contact lens wear during pregnancy is generally discouraged.
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes, with estrogen and progesterone levels rising sharply.
This can lead to overall body swelling, including the cornea, altering vision.
Firstly, corneal thickness may increase.
Secondly, corneal curvature increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Corneal thickness and curvature are crucial factors influencing LASIK/LASEK outcomes.
Lastly, corneal fiber rearrangement after LASIK/LASEK can be affected by pregnancy hormones.
These changes usually revert to their pre-pregnancy state after childbirth and cessation of breastfeeding.
Therefore, examinations during pregnancy or breastfeeding may not provide accurate data for surgery planning.
Ideally, evaluation and surgery should be performed after all parameters have stabilized.
Vision changes during hormone therapy?
Can surgery be performed during hormone therapy?
While birth control pills are hormonal, they don't typically affect vision after LASIK/LASEK.
Hormone replacement therapy after menopause has been reported to potentially cause vision decline after LASIK/LASEK, but vision may recover upon cessation of therapy.
LASIK/LASEK patients experiencing vision changes while on other medications should consult their healthcare provider to determine the cause and relevance.
In summary:
1. LASIK/LASEK during menstruation: OK!
2. If you've had LASIK/LASEK and are planning pregnancy, wait at least 3-6 months post-surgery.
3. LASIK/LASEK during pregnancy: Not recommended!
4. If you're already pregnant, wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding, and then wait at least 3 months before surgery.
*****However, individual differences exist. Consult an experienced ophthalmologist regarding LASIK/LASEK eligibility and timing before and after pregnancy. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor hormonal changes and plan surgery accordingly.*****
If you have any further questions, please leave a comment. :)
Source :https://blog.naver.com/oklasik3/223898231143
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