I was told by my eye doctor that it was safe to get pregnant any time after Lasik. I had Lasik done 4/98 and became pregnant 5/98. I was pleased with my results 20/20 and my eyesight remained good and stable until I stopped nursing (6/99). I then experienced a dramatic and very fast change in my eyesight (back in glasses). I am told it can be fixed with an AK procedure and possibly repeat Lasik. I am concerned that if I get the enhancement (and wait for proper healing time, of course) that I may still have changes post-partum if I have another baby. Have you seen this before? Is it likely that this could happen again?

it appears that changes in hormone levels, be they from pregnancy, steroid use, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy tends to cause changes in vision and healing after lasik. i ask patients to wait at least three months prior to making any changes in a current medication regimen, or prior to getting pregnant. on the flip side, i would wait at least 6 weeks after delivery or after cessation of breast feeding to check for stability of the refraction prior to performing lasikor an enhancement.

i have done this twice on patients that became pregnant after surgery and had changes in their vision, with great success.

good luck and enjoy your children!!

debra tennen, md