Is it possible to give birth naturally after a laser vision correction procedure?

Laser vision correction is a procedure which continuously grows in popularity among people with refractive errors: short-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. However, the bigger the interest, the more questions arise about the surgery, one of them regarding the birth. Women often ask ophthalmologists whether they can give birth naturally after they undergo laser vision correction.

Women who have decided to have a laser vision correction surgery or are currently considering undergoing this procedure usually wonder if the surgery itself is not a contraindication to vaginal birth. Fortunately, the answer resolves all the doubts – laser vision correction is not a contraindication to natural labour.

Nonetheless, lack of contraindications does not mean such a decision should not be taken very carefully. Refractive errors (especially severe ones) may be connected with retinal impairment. Laser vision correction of such errors is based on reshaping the corneal surface. The condition of the retina following the surgery remains the same. Prior to labour a specialist ophthalmologic examination should be conducted. During the examination an ophthalmologist will conduct a number of tests and measurements, including thorough examination of the retina, and will decide whether current condition of the eyes is not a contraindication to natural labour.

Laser vision correction does not affect the condition of the retina. And the retina is the most prone to damage during natural labour, which is extremely exhausting physically. A laser surgery does not shatter the dream of giving birth naturally. However, when you are already pregnant or breastfeeding, it is a contraindication to the procedure, but only for some time. What is typical of both pregnancy and the breastfeeding period is a so-called „hormonal havoc”, which also affects the woman’s eyesight – refractive errors may be unstable during this time. That is why doctors recommend postponing the surgery by approximately 6 months from the labour or termination of breastfeeding.

Now that you know the answer to the question regarding natural birth after laser vision correction, act according to your current situation. Remember that the laser procedure is safe and painless and does not take much time (the whole surgery on both eyes lasts about 20 minutes). To increase the patient’s comfort, The ArtLife Ophthalmologic Centre offers to conduct the preliminary qualifying examination and the surgery itself on the same day – one-day procedure mode. Fill in the preliminary qualification form ONLINE and find out whether laser vision correction is suitable for you or ask a doctor using a contact form on our website.

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