LASIK for Breastfeeding Mothers Study Analysis

LASIK for Breastfeeding Mothers Study Analysis

The study “Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Surface Ablation in Breastfeeding Patients,” published in Cornea in July 2020, provides critical insights into the safety and efficacy of performing LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on breastfeeding women.

Key Findings:

1. Objective: The primary aim was to assess both the anatomical and functional outcomes of corneal refractive surgery during breastfeeding. Additionally, the study sought to compare these outcomes with those observed in women who ceased breastfeeding at least three months before undergoing surgery.
2. Methods: This was a comprehensive multicenter, retrospective review involving a considerable timeframe from September 11, 2002, to December 12, 2017. The sample included 168 women (237 eyes), divided into two groups: breastfeeding at the time of surgery (group 1, 142 eyes) and those who had stopped breastfeeding for at least three months (group 2, 95 eyes). The study meticulously evaluated visual and refractive outcomes, predictability, safety, efficacy indexes, retreatment rates, and potential adverse effects on infants.
3. Results: The results were quite reassuring. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of visual acuity, postoperative spherical equivalent, efficacy index, predictability, safety index, or retreatments. Importantly, no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded, and no adverse effects were reported in infants.
4. Conclusions: The findings strongly support that both LASIK and PRK can be performed effectively and safely in breastfeeding women. This is particularly significant as it provides confidence to both surgeons and patients that breastfeeding need not be a contraindication for these procedures.

Implications for Practice: At the LASIK.com Network, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for our patients. This study reinforces our approach that breastfeeding should not be viewed as a barrier to receiving LASIK or PRK. We will continue to offer personalized care, ensuring that all potential concerns are addressed, and providing comprehensive preoperative and postoperative support to our patients.

In conclusion, the positive outcomes demonstrated in this study align with our observations and practices, confirming that LASIK and PRK are viable options for breastfeeding women without compromising safety or efficacy. This further strengthens our commitment to expanding access to these life-changing procedures for all suitable candidates.

Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Surface Ablation in Breastfeeding Patients

Authors: Nuria Alonso-Santander, MD, PhD; Julio Ortega-Usobiaga, MD, PhD, FEBOS-CR; Jaime Beltrán-Sanz, MD; Vasyl Druchkiv, MSc; Fernando Llovet-Osuna, MD, PhD; Julio Baviera-Sabater, MD.

Published in: Cornea, July 2020, Volume 39, Issue 7, p 862-867. DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002276.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the anatomical and functional (visual and refractive) outcomes of corneal refractive surgery during breastfeeding. It also compared the results with those of women who stopped breastfeeding at least three months before the procedure. The evaluation included predictability, safety, and efficacy indexes, number of retreatments, and adverse effects reported in babies.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series review was conducted, covering patients who were breastfeeding and underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or surface ablation (photorefractive keratectomy) from September 11, 2002, to December 12, 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: those breastfeeding at the time of surgery (group 1, n = 142 eyes) and those who stopped breastfeeding at least three months before the procedure (group 2, n = 95 eyes). A total of 168 women (237 eyes) were included. The study described functional (visual and refractive) and anatomical outcomes.

Results: No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of visual acuity, postoperative spherical equivalent, efficacy index, predictability, safety index, or retreatments. No infants experienced adverse effects.

Conclusions: The study concluded that LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy could be performed effectively and safely in breastfeeding women.