If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you probably have a lot of “what if” questions. Many of the most common LASIK concerns especially for women revolve around hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and vision changes.
At McFarland Eye Care, we believe informed patients make the best decisions. Below, we answer some of the most frequently searched questions we hear during LASIK consultations.
Can I Get LASIK If I’m Pregnant?
No. LASIK is not performed during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones can temporarily or permanently change your vision, corneal thickness, and eye dryness. LASIK requires extremely precise measurements, and fluctuating vision makes it impossible to ensure accurate, long-lasting results.
For your safety and visual outcome, LASIK should always wait until after pregnancy.
Can I Get LASIK While Breastfeeding?
We recommend waiting.
Breastfeeding hormones can continue to affect:
- Vision stability
- Dry eye symptoms
- Healing response after surgery
Because these factors play a critical role in LASIK success, we advise waiting at least 6 months after you’ve finished breastfeeding before proceeding with surgery.
Can I Get LASIK Right After Having a Baby?
Not immediately.
Even after delivery, hormones do not instantly return to normal. Vision may continue to fluctuate during the postpartum period, with or without breastfeeding.
Our recommendation:
Wait at least 6 months after having your baby (and 6 months after breastfeeding, if applicable) to allow your prescription and eye surface to stabilize.
Can I Get LASIK If I’m Trying to Get Pregnant?
Possibly, but timing matters.
If you’re actively trying to conceive, it’s important to discuss your timeline during a LASIK consultation. If pregnancy occurs shortly after surgery, hormonal changes could still affect vision stability during healing.
In some cases, waiting until after pregnancy may be the safer option. Our team helps you weigh timing, goals, and long-term results before making a decision.
Can Hormones Really Change My Vision?
Yes. Hormones can affect vision more than most people realize.
Hormonal changes may influence:
- Prescription strength
- Corneal shape or thickness
- Tear production (dry eye)
- Visual clarity
This is why we carefully evaluate hormone-related life stages when determining LASIK candidacy.
Can I Get LASIK If My Prescription Keeps Changing?
Usually no, at least not yet.
A stable prescription is one of the most important requirements for LASIK. If your vision has changed significantly within the last year, especially due to hormonal shifts, surgery may need to be postponed.
Waiting until your prescription stabilizes helps ensure predictable, long-lasting results.
Does LASIK Affect Future Pregnancies?
No. LASIK does not affect your ability to become pregnant or have healthy pregnancies.
However, pregnancy after LASIK can still cause temporary vision changes due to hormones. These changes usually resolve on their own and do not mean LASIK “failed.”
Why Is McFarland Eye Care So Conservative With LASIK?
Because your vision is permanent.
At McFarland Eye Care, our goal is not to rush patients into surgery but to ensure:
- Safe candidacy
- Accurate measurements
- Predictable outcomes
- Long-term satisfaction
Sometimes the best care means waiting until your eyes and hormones are fully ready.
Still Wondering If LASIK Is Right for You?
Every patient’s eyes and life circumstances are different. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or planning a family, a LASIK consultation can help you understand when surgery makes the most sense for you.
Education comes first. Surgery comes second.
When the timing is right, we’ll be ready.
