Gone glasses, baby on the way? Many people consider having their eyes lasered before they start planning a family. But the question arises around pregnancy and breastfeeding: is this the right time for laser eye treatment? In this article, you will find out what the risks are, why your eyesight needs to be stable – and when the procedure really makes sense.

Why family planning plays a role in laser eye surgery:

Laser treatment permanently changes the refractive power of the eye by ablating the cornea. For the procedure to work precisely, the visual acuity must be stable – however, this is often not the case during or shortly before pregnancy. Dry eyes, hormonal influences or altered diopter values canalso affect the result.

So if you are planning laser eye treatment and are thinking about having a baby, you should definitely talk to your ophthalmologist. The decision for or against laser surgery in this case depends on several factors – above all the stability of the visual acuity and the right time.

What happens to the eyes during pregnancy?

It’s not just the body that changes during pregnancy – the eyes can also react to the hormonal changes. Many people suddenly notice a change in visual acuity, dry eyes or an unusual sensitivity to light. In most cases, these changes are temporary, but they directly affect suitability for laser eye surgery.

Hormonal changes and their influence on the eyes

Pregnancy hormones affect the entire metabolism – including the cornea of the eye. It can swell slightly, which changes the refractive power of the eye. This can lead to a temporary increase or decrease in defective vision – i.e. short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism. The composition of the tear film also changes, which favors dry eyes.

It is precisely these changes that make precise correction by means of laser eye surgery unreliable at this stage – because laser treatment is based on maximum precision and stable diopter values.

Unstable visual acuity: why fluctuations are completely normal

During pregnancy, it is completely normal for visual acuity to change over a period of weeks or months. Sometimes you see better, sometimes blurrier – especially in connection with dry eyes or water retention. Contact lenses can also suddenly become more difficult to tolerate because the cornea becomes thicker or more sensitive.

Laser eye surgery for unstable visual acuity – a risk?

Yes, quite clearly: laser eye surgery for unstable visual acuity is a medical risk – and is therefore generally not recommended. Laser eye treatment requires that the visual acuity has not changed significantly in the last 12 months. Only then can the laser model the cornea so precisely that the visual defect is permanently corrected.

If the refractive power of the eye changes – for example due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or hormonal influences – there is a risk that the procedure will be based on temporary visual acuity. In the worst case scenario, this means that glasses or contact lenses may be needed again after the laser treatment.

Laser eye surgery is therefore not recommended for myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism with unstable diopter values (e.g. fluctuations of more than 0.5 to 1 diopter) – at least until the values are stable over a longer period of time. A premature laser procedure can otherwise lead to unsatisfactory results and be difficult to correct later.

Laser eye surgery and pregnancy: what do experts say?

Specialists in refractive surgery agree: laser eye treatment should not be carried out during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The reason for this is not only the hormonal influences, but also the medical requirements, which are often not met during this phase of life.

Why the requirements are not met during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The most important prerequisites for laser eye surgery include stable visual acuity, a healthy cornea, no acute eye diseases – and, above all, reliable diopter values. Precisely these prerequisites cannot be guaranteed during pregnancy:

• The cornea changes its thickness and curvature due to water retention

• Visual acuity can vary daily due to hormonal fluctuations

• Many women have dry eyes during this time, which can affect the healing process

• Certain medications (e.g. eye drops) are not permitted during pregnancy or breastfeeding

Therefore, the clear recommendation is: laser eye surgery during pregnancy or breastfeeding – not possible and not advisable.

When is laser eye treatment possible again after the birth

The stability of visual acuity usually returns a few months after the birth – especially when the hormonal processes are complete. If you are breastfeeding, you should wait until breastfeeding has ended and the refractive power of the eye has stabilized before undergoing laser treatment.

In most cases, ophthalmologists recommend considering laser surgery at the earliest 6 to 12 months after the end of breastfeeding – depending on individual factors such as:

• Stability of the diopter values

• Condition of the cornea

• General eye health

• Result of the preliminary investigation

Anyone who wants to fulfill their desire to see without glasses after starting a family should plan a comprehensive consultation including a medical suitability test – for a permanently stable and satisfactory result.

What applies to men: laser eye surgery and family planning

In principle, there are no medical restrictions for men in connection with laser eye surgery and family planning, as there are for women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding .

• Fertility and lasers: There is no evidence that laser eye surgery affects fertility or sperm quality. The treatment only affects the cornea of the eye and has no connection with hormonal or reproductive processes.

• Taking medication: If medication is taken during the procedure (e.g. antibiotic eye drops or anti-inflammatory agents), it is advisable to discuss the exact medication with the attending doctor – especially if you are actively trying to conceive. However, there is usually no restriction.

• Planning and responsibility: If you and your partner are starting a family together, you can schedule laser eye treatment well in advance of parental leave or before the birth. Many men find it practical to start their first time with the child without glasses or contact lenses – e.g. when getting up at night, doing sport or everyday tasks.