The Effect of Breastfeeding on Photorefractive Keratectomy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Purpose To assess the refractive results, visual function, and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in myopic breastfeeding women and compare them to healthy matched female controls. Methods Twelve mothers (23 eyes) who underwent PRK while they were still breastfeeding (B group) and continued it for at least three months participated in this retrospective matched cohort study. Twelve women (23 eyes) who were matched for age, refractive error, and operation data (NB group) were selected as the control group. Post-PRK results and complications were compared between the two groups. Results Twenty four breastfeeding mothers with a mean age of 29.70±1.8 (Standard Deviation) (range from 27 to 33years) were included. The average age in the study and the control group were 29.83 ± 1.80 and, 29.58 ± 1.98, prospectively, (P-value=0.749, T-test, poverty 0.1). The mean duration of breastfeeding was 47 weeks before surgery and 35 weeks after surgery. Conclusion Our study results did not indicate the adverse effects of breastfeeding on the results of PRK surgery. It seems that performing PRK is safe in the breastfeeding period.