No, LASIK does not affect fertility in men or women.
The procedure only changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision and does not interfere with reproductive organs, hormones, or the ability to conceive.
If you’re considering LASIK and planning to have children, you may wonder if laser eye surgery could impact your chances of getting pregnant or the health of a future pregnancy. This blog will walk you through what the research says, how LASIK and fertility are unrelated, and what you should know about timing LASIK around family planning.
Understanding LASIK: What Does the Procedure Involve?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a popular vision correction surgery that reshapes the cornea to fix nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. The laser only targets the surface of the eye and does not interact with any part of the reproductive system or influence hormone production. This means LASIK cannot cause infertility or affect your ability to become pregnant.
LASIK and the Reproductive System: No Direct Link
How LASIK Works—And Why It Doesn’t Affect Fertility?
- LASIK is an external eye procedure. It does not involve the uterus, ovaries, testes, or any reproductive organs.
- No effect on hormones. The surgery does not alter estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or other hormones that regulate fertility.
- No radiation risk. The laser used in LASIK does not emit radiation that could harm reproductive cells or a developing fetus.
LASIK Before Pregnancy: What to Consider?
Is It Safe to Get Pregnant After LASIK?
Yes, you can safely conceive after LASIK. Most women who become pregnant after LASIK have healthy pregnancies and do not experience complications related to the surgery. There is no evidence that LASIK delays conception or affects fertility in any way.
Should You Wait to Get Pregnant After LASIK?
Doctors often recommend waiting a few months after LASIK before trying to conceive. This is mainly to:
- Allow your eyes to fully heal
- Avoid the rare risk of vision changes during early healing
- Make sure you don’t need any additional procedures or medications that could be unsafe during pregnancy
Most doctors recommend waiting 3–6 months after LASIK before trying to conceive. This gives your eyes enough time to heal completely and for your vision to stabilise.
LASIK During Pregnancy and Fertility Treatments
Why LASIK Is Not Done During Pregnancy?
Doctors avoid performing LASIK during pregnancy because:
- Hormonal fluctuations can temporarily change corneal shape, affecting vision measurements and healing.
- Certain medications used during LASIK, such as sedatives or post-operative steroid drops, may not be recommended during pregnancy.
- Vision can fluctuate during pregnancy, making it hard to predict the final outcome.
What About IVF or Fertility Treatments?
If you’re undergoing fertility treatments like IVF, it’s best to plan LASIK between treatment cycles or after completing treatment. Some medications and hormonal changes during fertility treatments can temporarily affect corneal measurements and vision stability.
LASIK After Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
When Is It Safe to Have LASIK?
It’s best to wait at least three to six months after pregnancy and after you’ve finished breastfeeding before having LASIK, so hormone levels and vision measurements can return to normal. This allows your hormones and vision to stabilise, ensuring the most accurate results.
Does LASIK Affect Pregnancy or the Baby?
LASIK and Pregnancy Outcomes
There is no evidence that LASIK performed before pregnancy affects the health of a future pregnancy or the baby. The laser only reshapes the cornea and does not impact the uterus or fetus. It does not lead to birth defects or pregnancy complications.
LASIK Performed Before Pregnancy
Women who have LASIK before becoming pregnant typically maintain stable vision throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Some may notice temporary changes in vision due to hormonal shifts, but these are usually mild and resolve after childbirth or once breastfeeding ends.
Hormones, Vision, and LASIK: What’s the Connection?
How Hormones Affect Vision?
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can cause temporary changes in corneal thickness, tear production, and vision prescription. These changes are due to hormonal shifts, not LASIK itself.
Can LASIK Worsen Vision Changes During Pregnancy?
LASIK does not raise the likelihood of vision changes during pregnancy. However, if you had LASIK before pregnancy, you may notice temporary shifts in vision because of hormones, just like women who never had LASIK. These changes usually resolve after delivery.
Tips for Planning LASIK Around Family Goals
- Plan to have LASIK when you are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding.
- Wait a few months after surgery before trying to conceive.
- If undergoing fertility treatments, plan LASIK between cycles.
- Discuss your plans with both your eye surgeon and fertility specialist.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
LASIK does not affect fertility or your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. The procedure only affects the eyes and does not influence hormones or reproductive organs.
If you’re planning a family, you can safely have LASIK before pregnancy—just give yourself time to heal before conceiving. For the best timing and results, talk to your ophthalmologist and, if needed, your fertility doctor. Your vision and your family goals can go hand in hand.
Common Questions About LASIK and Fertility
Can LASIK make it harder to get pregnant?
No. LASIK is a vision correction procedure that does not affect ovulation, hormone levels, sperm health, or reproductive organs. It has no known impact on fertility in men or women.
Can LASIK harm a developing fetus if I get pregnant soon after surgery?
No. LASIK uses a focused laser on the surface of the eye, and this energy does not travel beyond the eye. There’s no evidence that it affects a future pregnancy or causes birth defects.
Should I avoid LASIK if I’m planning to start a family soon?
You can have LASIK before pregnancy, but it’s best to wait a few months before trying to conceive, so your eyes have time to heal.
Does LASIK affect IVF or other fertility treatments?
No. LASIK doesn’t interfere with fertility treatments. However, it’s best to schedule the procedure between treatment cycles or after fertility treatment is complete. Hormonal medications may cause temporary changes in vision or corneal measurements, which can affect surgical planning.
