Can You Get Lasik During Pregnancy?

 Joel Bernstien Profile Photo
By Dr. Joel Bernstien | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Get Lasik During Pregnancy?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (say that 10 times fast). It’s an eye procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear covering in the front of your eye. Unfortunately, it is not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interestingly, the thickness of the cornea changes during pregnancy1 , which is thought to be a response to fluid retention or to the sex hormones circulating in pregnancy. In addition, the curvature of the cornea increases both during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So why is this important? Well, as mentioned, Lasik surgery reshapes the cornea. If you get that done while pregnant or breastfeeding, then Lasik could improperly change the shape of your eye and your vision could permanently be suboptimal.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Mohammad Naderan"Ocular changes during pregnancy"Journal of Current Ophthalmology, vol. 30, no. 3Jan 3, 2018, pp. 202–210https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6127369/.


Share via
Updated on Jan 4, 2024

Related Articles


Get the Newsletter

Evidence-based health and wellness resources for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Share via

Can You Get Lasik During Pregnancy?

 Joel Bernstien Profile Photo
By Dr. Joel Bernstien | Updated on Jan 4, 2024
Image for article Can You Get Lasik During Pregnancy?

LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (say that 10 times fast). It’s an eye procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, which is the clear covering in the front of your eye. Unfortunately, it is not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interestingly, the thickness of the cornea changes during pregnancy1 , which is thought to be a response to fluid retention or to the sex hormones circulating in pregnancy. In addition, the curvature of the cornea increases both during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So why is this important? Well, as mentioned, Lasik surgery reshapes the cornea. If you get that done while pregnant or breastfeeding, then Lasik could improperly change the shape of your eye and your vision could permanently be suboptimal.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Mohammad Naderan"Ocular changes during pregnancy"Journal of Current Ophthalmology, vol. 30, no. 3Jan 3, 2018, pp. 202–210https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6127369/.


Share via