Eye problems are caused during pregnancy because of fluid buildup and swelling. Read on to learn the causes behind blurred vision during pregnancy and how you can feel better.Blurred vision during pregnancy surprises the would-be mom and majority of them find this alarming as well. The main reason is that most women are aware that they would be going through
morning sickness and will have low
back pain during pregnancy, but many do not know that pregnancy has effects on eyesight also. Although they go away once the child is delivered or sometimes takes six weeks after childbirth to go away, some eye problems need medical attention.
There seems to be something wrong with my vision
If your vision has just lost its sharpness and acuity or your hard lenses do not seem to fit anymore, just relax. It is all a part of your hormones at work. Like many other problems the main reason behind problems related to eyesight is also change in hormones. It is caused by the
fluid retention so common in pregnant women, and is only temporary. The hormones make fluid buildup within your eye and this thickens your lens and cornea. The pressure of the fluid which is in the eyeball changes and this causes blurred vision. Normally these changes subside after child birth or in some cases after you stop breast feeding your baby. You could consider switching over to soft lenses or glasses for the interim.
If I see spots before my eyes, is it cause for concern?
Are you experiencing blurring, dimming, double vision or spots and floaters before your eyes that do not go away? Then consult your doctor immediately and get your eye checkup done with an eye specialist as this is not normal.
What is the treatment for blurred vision during pregnancy?
If these changes do not bother you, you need not do anything. If you find there is any kind of problem, you can talk to your doctor. You may need to wear glasses or the prescription might require some changes. Since the problem goes away after delivery, any kind of surgery or fitting of contact lenses is not recommended.
If you are wearing contact lens and you feel that they are bothering you, try wearing glasses during pregnancy.
Stay away from any corrective eye surgery at least six months before conceiving and six months after childbirth along with avoiding it during pregnancy. This may not harm your baby, but you might have to undergo another surgery later on.
Which other eye problems can pregnant women face?
Here are some other eye problems which women may face during pregnancy.
Dryness in Eyes During Pregnancy
Many women find that their eyes are drier than before during pregnancy. This causes discomfort and irritation specially when the woman is wearing contacts.
TreatmentYou can use artificial tears to moisten your eyes. If you are wearing contacts you should make sure that the artificial tears that you are going to use are safe. Also check it with your doctor whether using the lubricant is safe for pregnant women or not.
Gestational Diabetes and Vision Problems
If the level of blood sugar rises due to diabetes, it damages the small blood vessels that supply blood to the retina of the eyes. The risk of damage is high during pregnancy. Sometimes, even a temporary form of diabetes occurs during pregnancy which is called gestational diabetes which can also cause blurred vision.
TreatmentIf you are diabetic, make sure your conditions are closely monitored. Even if you have developed gestational diabetes, your blood sugar level must be monitored and kept in check. It is good to take advice from your doctor and follow it properly.
Preeclampsia and Vision Problems
Preeclampsia is caused due to
high blood pressure and presence of high level of protein in urine during pregnancy. There are vision changes that are usually experienced if this problem occurs. The symptoms could be blurry vision, light sensitivity, temporary loss of vision, appearance of flashy lights and auras.
TreatmentIf you find any of the symptoms, immediately get in touch with your doctor and go to the emergency room. This might cause bleeding or other serious complications if not attended immediately.
If you have any other additional health problem, you should let your healthcare provider know about them. Get your regular checkups done on time to avoid any future problems.
What are the causes of blurred vision during pregnancy? Which eye problems do pregnant women usually face? How to deal with eye problems during pregnancy? Discuss here.