Comparative Assessment of Corneal Biomechanical Parameters in Lactating Versus Non-Lactating Women: Implications for Refractive Surgery Candidates Publisher Pubmed



Kashfi A ; Ghoreishi M ; Pourazizi M ; Irajpour M ; Mohammadinia M ; Paknazar F ; Kazemi H
Source: International Ophthalmology Published:2026

Abstract

Background: To assess and compare corneal biomechanical parameters between lactating and non-lactating women. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included women aged 25–40 years with myopia or myopic astigmatism. The case group comprised women who had been lactating for more than six months. The control group comprised healthy, non-pregnant, non-lactating refractive-surgery candidates in the same age range. Corneal biomechanical properties were measured with the Corvis ST. Results: Fifty eyes from fifty lactating women (mean age: 31.28 ± 4.06 years) and a hundred eyes from one hundred non-lactating women (mean age: 30.68 ± 4.33 years) were included (P = 0.39). The median duration of breastfeeding was 12 months (range: 7–23 months). Initial analysis revealed significantly lower CCT, Radius, and stiffness parameter (SP-A1) in the lactating group compared to controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for differences in CCT, no statistically significant differences were observed in any corneal biomechanical parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Corneal biomechanical parameters in women who were lactating for over 6 months did not significantly differ from those of non-lactating women; these findings suggest that refractive correction surgery may be considered for such patients, pending further investigation. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026.