Can you wear glasses during C-section?

Many women who wear glasses wonder if they can keep them on during a cesarean section (C-section). While it may seem like a small detail, being able to see clearly and comfortably throughout the birthing process can help put mothers at ease.

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Can You Wear Glasses During C-Section Surgery?

The short answer is yes, you can wear your glasses during a C-section. There is no medical reason why you would need to remove your glasses before having a C-section.

Wearing glasses enables you to see the delivery of your baby more clearly. It also allows you to see your newborn right after birth. Being able to see the first moments with your baby can help make the experience more special and memorable.

Why Would I Want to Wear Glasses During C-Section?

There are several benefits to keeping your glasses on during your C-section:

See the delivery more clearly – Being able to see the doctors and nurses at work can help you feel more involved in the process.

See your newborn immediately – With your glasses on, you’ll be able to see your baby as soon as he or she is born.
Reduce anxiety – When you can see what’s happening clearly, it can help lower anxiety levels.
See your support person – With your glasses, you’ll be able to see the face of your partner, doula, or other support person in the operating room.

Are There Any Reasons Not to Wear Glasses?

There are a few potential reasons why you may be asked to remove your glasses for a C-section:

Glasses could get in the way – If you have very large, bulky glasses, the medical staff may feel they could obstruct the surgical area. This is pretty rare.
Glasses could fall off – There’s a small chance your glasses could fall off if you’re moving around. You can ask for a glasses strap.

Anesthesia mask – The mask for your spinal or epidural anesthesia may bump up against the arm of your glasses. They can work around this.

In most cases, none of these are big enough issues to necessitate removing your glasses. The medical staff can make simple adjustments to accommodate them.

What Types of Glasses are Best for C-Section?

If you’re getting new glasses before your scheduled C-section, here are some tips for the best types to get:

Flexible plastic frames – These bend and are less likely to break if bumped.
Frame with adjustable nose pads – This allows a better fit with the anesthesia mask.
Fit that wraps around your head – This will keep them more securely in place.

Single clear lens – Bifocals or transitions lenses could distort your view.
Anti-reflective coating – This reduces glare from surgical lights.

That said, you don’t need to buy new glasses just for your surgery. Even large, heavy frames should be fine for the short time you’ll wear them in the operating room.

What About Contacts During C-Section?

You will most likely be asked to remove contact lenses before your C-section. Here’s why:

Anesthesia can dry out your eyes, making contacts uncomfortable.
You won’t be able to rewet your contacts during surgery.

There’s a small risk contacts could roll back into your eye during surgery.

Going without contacts means you’ll need your glasses to see. Talk to your doctor about bringing contact lens supplies so you can put them back in after surgery.

When Will I Get to Wear Glasses During C-Section?

Here’s a timeline for when you’ll have your glasses on if you have a typical planned C-section:

In pre-op – You can wear your glasses up until you go into the operating room. Use this time to check that you can see well with them on.
For anesthesia – You’ll likely be asked to remove glasses just before receiving your spinal block or epidural anesthesia. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
After anesthesia – Once anesthesia is placed and takes effect, you can put your glasses back on.

During surgery – Your glasses will stay on for the whole cesarean delivery, about 30-45 minutes.
In recovery room – You can keep wearing your glasses while you recover from anesthesia, about 1-2 hours.

So out of the full C-section process, your glasses will only need to be off for about 15 minutes during the anesthesia. The rest of the time you can wear them.

Tips for Wearing Glasses Comfortably During C-Section

To keep your glasses comfortable and securely in place throughout your surgery, follow these tips:

Clean glasses before arriving – Use anti-fog spray or wipe to prevent smudges.
Bring a glasses case – Protect your glasses when not wearing them.

Don’t push glasses up nose – Avoid moving them once in place for surgery.
Have glasses strap on hand – Ask your nurse for one if you feel you need it.
Let anesthesiologist know – They can adjustment their technique to work with glasses.

Ask to re-position – If your glasses feel uncomfortable, the medical staff can adjust.

What If My Glasses Fall Off or Get Knocked Off During C-Section?

It’s highly unlikely your glasses will get knocked off or fall during your C-section. The medical staff will be aware of them and careful around your head and face. However, if they do get removed accidentally:

Don’t try to grab them – Keep your arms out of the surgical area.

Tell the doctor or nurse – They can safely retrieve your glasses.
You may not get them back immediately – Priority is keeping the sterile environment.
If you can’t see, let them know – They can describe what’s happening.

Your glasses will be returned to you as soon as feasible. Even if they come off, the surgery will proceed safely.

Why Does it Matter if I Can See During C-Section?

Being able to see clearly during your C-section can improve the experience for mothers in several ways:

See baby being born – This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment you don’t want to miss.

Make a connection immediately – Seeing your newborn right away helps bonding.
Watch medical staff at work – Understanding what’s happening reduces anxiety.
See support person – Their face can be comforting during the procedure.

Watch stitches being done – Some mothers want to see this part of the process.

While not being able to see won’t negatively impact the medical outcome, it can take away from the emotions and significance of the birth.

What If I’m Not Allowed to Wear Glasses for C-Section?

If for some reason your doctor does not allow you to wear your glasses, here are some things to consider:

Ask why – There may be a valid medical reason, so understand it.
Request a play-by-play – Have staff narrate what’s happening.
Bring earbuds – Play your favorite music to stay calm.

Focus on sensations – Feel your baby come out, their first cries.
Take in the moment – Savor meeting your baby, even if you can’t see well.

Not being able to see the delivery can be disappointing. But you can still make it a beautiful, meaningful experience by tuning into the other aspects.

Conclusion

Wearing your glasses during a cesarean delivery is perfectly safe and allowed in most cases. It enables you to see the miraculous birth of your child with your own eyes. This can help make your C-section a more special, rewarding memory. Be sure to prepare your glasses beforehand and let your medical team know you wish to keep them on. With a few minor precautions, your glasses can be a part of your baby’s birth story.