No, it is generally advised not to undergo SMILE Pro eye surgery while breastfeeding.
Although the procedure itself is not unsafe, the medications and possible antibiotics or steroid-based eye drops prescribed post-surgery could impact breastfeeding.
To fully understand why this is the case, let’s explore the specifics of SMILE Pro eye surgery, its implications for breastfeeding mothers, and alternative options for vision correction.
What Is SMILE Pro Eye Surgery?
SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a minimally invasive laser eye surgery designed to correct refractive errors like short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Unlike traditional LASIK surgery, SMILE uses a single laser to create and remove a small lenticule (a thin layer of corneal tissue) through a keyhole incision, reshaping the cornea and improving vision. SMILE Pro is an advanced version of the procedure, optimised for greater precision and shorter recovery time.
With quicker healing and reduced risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK, SMILE Pro has become a popular choice for those seeking long-term vision correction. However, for breastfeeding mothers, there are certain factors to consider.
Why Breastfeeding Mothers Should Avoid SMILE Pro Surgery
While the surgery itself does not directly impact breastfeeding, there are associated elements that make postponing the procedure advisable. Here are the main factors:
1. Post-Surgery Medications
After SMILE Pro surgery, patients are typically prescribed medications, including:
- Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infections.
- Steroid-based eye drops to reduce inflammation.
- Artificial tears to prevent dryness.
While topical medications used in eye surgery are administered locally and involve minimal absorption into the bloodstream, there is still a small possibility that trace amounts of these substances could pass into breast milk. For mothers who want to avoid any risk to their nursing infants, this alone is often enough reason to delay the procedure.
2. Hormonal Changes During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers experience hormonal changes that can temporarily affect the stability of their vision. These changes, caused by fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone, may alter corneal thickness and shape.
For SMILE Pro eye surgery to be effective, a patient’s vision must remain stable pre-surgery, typically for at least one year. Proceeding with the surgery during breastfeeding, when hormones can still influence eyesight, increases the risk of inaccurate treatment or suboptimal results.
3. Potential Stress During Recovery
Recovering from SMILE Pro surgery involves taking good care of your eyes. Patients are advised to:
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- Minimise screen time.
- Prevent water or soap from entering the eyes during the early healing period.
Balancing these aftercare precautions with the demands of caring for a newborn and the challenges of breastfeeding may increase stress for new mothers, hindering optimal recovery.
How Long Should You Wait?
If you’re thinking about SMILE Pro surgery and are currently breastfeeding, most eye specialists advise waiting until at least three months after you’ve finished nursing. This ensures:
- Stable vision unaffected by hormonal fluctuations.
- Freedom from concerns about medication safety for your baby.
- A smoother recovery process with less physical and emotional strain.
Is SMILE Pro Safe for New Mothers After Breastfeeding?
Yes, once breastfeeding has concluded, SMILE Pro surgery becomes a viable option for most mothers. By this time, your hormones will have levelled out, ensuring a more stable prescription, and there will no longer be concerns about medication absorption into breast milk.
Before scheduling your procedure, consult with an eye care professional to ensure your eyes are healthy and your prescription has stabilised. Many clinics require at least a six-month period of stable vision before approving patients for surgery.
Alternative Vision Solutions While Breastfeeding
If waiting for surgery feels inconvenient, or if you’re eager to enjoy clearer vision sooner, consider these temporary options while breastfeeding:
1. Glasses
Glasses provide a straightforward, non-invasive way to correct your vision during this transition period. Opt for lightweight frames or blue-light-blocking lenses to reduce discomfort while attending to your baby or working on a screen.
2. Contact Lenses
For those who dislike wearing glasses, contact lenses can be a practical alternative. However, keep in mind the following:
- Prolonged use of contact lenses can cause dryness, especially if you’re sleep-deprived.
- Always practise good hygiene to avoid eye infections, as this can add unnecessary complications to your daily routine.
3. Temporary Vision Correction Procedures
If you’re set on surgery but unable to wait until after breastfeeding, discuss temporary options with your eye specialist. Some clinics offer non-invasive alternatives, like orthokeratology (wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily).
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Small changes, like increasing lighting while reading or using larger digital fonts, can help alleviate the strain of poor vision during this period.
FAQs About SMILE Pro Surgery and Breastfeeding
Can the Surgery Itself Harm My Baby?
No, the surgery itself is not harmful to your baby. Any potential risk comes from the medications used post-surgery, not the procedure.
What If I Pump and Store Milk Before the Surgery?
Pumping and storing breast milk in advance can be a temporary solution. You can use previously expressed milk while taking post-surgery medications to avoid risks to your baby. However, this requires careful planning and may not be feasible for all mothers.
Will My Vision Be Stable After Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?
Most women experience stabilised vision within a few months after stopping breastfeeding, but it can take longer for some. Scheduling a consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist will help determine whether your vision has stabilised enough for surgery.
What Are the Potential Risks of Waiting?
Waiting to undergo SMILE Pro surgery poses no significant risks to your eye health. However, you may need to rely on glasses or contact lenses a little longer for clear vision.
Is LASIK a Better Option for Breastfeeding Mothers?
No. Like SMILE Pro, LASIK also requires post-surgery medications that may not be suitable while breastfeeding. Waiting is generally the safest option for either procedure.
In Closing
While it’s tempting to seek permanent vision correction as soon as possible, waiting to undergo SMILE Pro eye surgery until after breastfeeding is the safest decision for both you and your baby. This allows you to avoid any risk associated with post-surgery medications, ensure your vision is stable, and recover mindfully without additional stress.
Take this time to explore temporary vision-correction methods like glasses or contact lenses while focusing on the joys of motherhood. When the time is right, consult with your eye care specialist to discuss SMILE Pro surgery and take the next step in achieving the crystal-clear vision.
For further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified ophthalmologist who can provide personalised recommendations based on your health and vision needs.
