Laser eye surgery during pregnancy: is it allowed?

Eye lasers during pregnancy: a topic that is often raised. Pregnancy can be an exciting, but also challenging experience, especially when it comes to personal health care. A question that we are often asked is: “Can you have laser eye surgery during pregnancy?”

Laser eye surgery is a modern treatment method that can correct refractive errors. But should laser eye surgery be performed during pregnancy? Is it safe during pregnancy? The short answer is: no. If you are pregnant, you should not have your eyes lasered.

No laser eye surgery during pregnancy – reason: fluctuating vision

There is a very specific reason why laser eye surgery is not possible during pregnancy: the prenatal period brings with it many physical and hormonal changes that can lead to a fluctuation in your vision. The high levels of estrogen during pregnancy can cause dryness and an increase in the amount of fluid in the cornea. This can lead to a temporary deterioration of your vision. Therefore, your suitability for laser eye treatment can only be determined after birth.

Higher risks of laser eye surgery during pregnancy

Laser eye surgery is also usually a desired procedure during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, we advise you to avoid non-essential surgery during this time. Although laser eye surgery is a safe and uncomplicated procedure, you could be at higher risk of complications due to the hormonal and physical changes in laser eye surgery during pregnancy.

Laser eye treatment during pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Your eyes will be numbed with eye drops before the procedure, and some surgeons use mild sedatives to relax you. This could harm your growing baby. In addition, some discomfort is normal after laser eye surgery. Due to the hormonal changes, this could be increasingly perceived.

Change in vision after pregnancy

If you had laser eye surgery before you were pregnant, you may notice some changes in your vision during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can cause changes in vision. Blurred vision, dry eyes and even myopia are possible, which can make driving and daily activities difficult.

If you have had laser eye surgery and notice changes in your vision during pregnancy, you should contact your surgeon or ophthalmologist for a follow-up examination.

Although laser eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure, it is not feasible during pregnancy for various reasons.

Make an appointment with us in Stuttgart or Karlsruhe to find out if and when laser eye treatment is suitable for you.