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Author: Eric Johnson
Date: August 30, 2022

Eye Health in Pregnancy: Are These Changes Alarming You?

During pregnancy, are you detecting changes in your vision? Worried these developments may portend anything serious in terms of eye care and eye health? The truth is that pregnancy can create changes in your eyes — yet not all eye disorders are caused by pregnancy.

It's critical to understand the kind of vision alterations that pregnancy might cause so you can figure out what's causing your problems.

We've reviewed the most recent research to address any of your questions concerning ocular changes during pregnancy. In this article, we'll discuss the changes your eyes may undergo, which are cause for concern, and when you should arrange an eye checkup.

You might be shocked to find that around 15% of pregnant women will have visual changes as a result of their pregnancy. While these phenomena are typical, they might be perplexing.

We are all aware that when a woman is pregnant, her body changes dramatically as it expands and prepares for a new life. Some changes, such as increased hormone levels and fluid retention, might have an impact on the eyes and vision.

Water retention, for example, might cause the curve of your cornea to thicken, impacting how your contacts fit your eyes. Extra water retention can also cause pressure to build up in the eyes, which can be uncomfortable.

What eye health effects does pregnant women have?

Eye care during pregnancy

Pregnancy is linked to several eye health issues. Here are a few examples:

1. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common occurrence during pregnancy, but they may be rather bothersome. Fortunately, there is a straightforward remedy. To moisten your eyes, utilise artificial tears or eye drops. Many prescription eye drops can also be used with contact lenses, so see your doctor if you require them.

2. Blurred vision

When you're pregnant, your body is more inclined to retain fluids. High fluid retention might cause your cornea to shift shape, resulting in impaired vision. You don't need to do anything because these alterations will go away once the baby is born or when you cease nursing.

3. Corneal Edema

You may have corneal edema if you find your eyes getting more sensitive, dry, or unpleasant when wearing contacts. This problem commonly arises in the third trimester and goes away shortly after birth.

Simple solutions include switching contacts or glasses and utilizing pregnancy-safe eye treatments.

4. Refractive changes

Hormones might lead you to require stronger lenses or glasses when pregnant. These modifications are generally only temporary, so check with your doctor to see if your prescription has to be altered.

5. Puffy Eyelids

Hormones may induce puffiness in your eyes – is there anything they can't do? Puffy eyelids might impair peripheral vision. To counteract this impact, drink lots of water and limit your salt consumption, as water retention is the most likely culprit.

6. Migraines

Pregnant women may develop migraines, with sensitivity to light being a major indicator.

Changes in your vision may also be the issue. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from severe migraines. They may be able to assist in determining therapy.

Are these changes permanent?

The majority of the eyesight alterations that occur during pregnancy are not permanent. They will go once the baby is born or you cease nursing. However, regardless of how little the symptom is, you must notify your OB/GYN and ophthalmologist so that they can monitor your pregnancy and eyesight. Sometimes, these changes can also be indicators for a more prominent health issue. Such as,

  • Preeclampsia
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Pregnancy-induced Hypertension
  • Different vision issues during each trimester

Which foods are excellent for pregnant women's eye health?

While you cannot avoid all of these vision difficulties during pregnancy, you may do your best to keep your eyes healthy by eating a balanced diet. We go into more detail about the kind of diet and nutrition for eye health, but here are some of the meals you should include:

  • Spinach 
  • Corn 
  • Kale
  • Egg yolks 
  • Broccoli
  • Seafood, particularly shellfish, is high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Pregnancy can cause various changes in your body, including changes to your eyes. The alterations are usually not severe and will go away after delivery. However, certain visual changes might be indicators of more significant disorders such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure. Contact your eye doctor if you notice any significant changes in your vision; it's better to be safe than sorry! This is especially important if the symptoms longer for more than a week.

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