Laser in-situ keratomileusis, more commonly known as LASIK, is now one of the most popular forms of surgery for those who are suffering from astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. The surgery involves reshaping the cornea of the eye in order for the light to pass through it and focus on the retina. Once the cornea is reshaped, the patient will then have a clearer vision.
Why you should consider LASIK
For astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, LASIK is one of the best treatments around. Here are the reasons why:
- It is a very effective treatment. In fact, about 96% of patients who had LASIK stated they were satisfied with their vision after surgery.
- It is less painful than other treatments.
- The effect is immediate. Patients’ vision is corrected a day after the surgery.
- Requires no stitches.
- Can easily be adjusted. Years after the surgery, as the patient ages, adjustments to the eye can easily be done.
What you should know about LASIK and pregnancy
Time your LASIK procedure
If you are planning on having a baby, here are some of the reasons why you should consider having LASIK before conception:
- No need to bother with contact lenses or glasses in the middle of the night, when the baby is sick, and in case of emergency.
- During pregnancy, contact lenses can be quite uncomfortable because of changing hormones.
Thus, the most important thing that you should know about LASIK and pregnancy is that if you time your pregnancy, give time to the LASIK procedure.
If pregnant, have LASIK 2-3 months after giving birth
If you are already pregnant, you should postpone the procedure until after two to three months after the delivery. Here are the reasons why:
- When a woman becomes pregnant, her hormones will fluctuate. As a result, her refractive state may be affected and may also fluctuate. When the doctor takes the measurement, it may result in a false reading.
- Complications of the surgery may occur. Drugs used during the surgery are unsafe for the baby.
What if you are already pregnant and did not know it
LASIK is a very safe procedure that there were women who safely had the surgery even when they were pregnant. These women did not know that they were pregnant at the time of the procedure. The procedure did not cause any problems because the surgery is basically done on the surface of the eye only and under local anesthesia and mild sedative. After the surgery, the eye drop prescribed by the doctor is mild.
If you are planning on having the procedure before or after pregnancy, it is best to go to a good eye center. For example, if you have given birth and are nursing, you can go to Houston LASIK & Eye, a leading LASIK laser eye surgery center in Houston, to have the safest procedure for you and your baby.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS, and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478.
References:
http://www.pacificvision.org/in-the-news/repository/GGMothers-0510.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/lasik-laser-eye-surgery
http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/lasik-pregnancy-pregnant.htm
