Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Eye Care on April 30, 2016
Most women know, or find out, that the whole body goes through lots of changes during pregnancy. But you might not know that vision changes can also occur.
Blurry vision is a common problem of pregnancy
Hormone changes are the likely cause of blurry vision, the result of changes in the curvature of your eye lens. You could also have unusual contact lens discomfort from the normal shift in fluid and hormone that change the curvature and thickness of the cornea.
It’s not likely that you’ll suddenly need glasses or contacts, but if you already wear them, your prescription could change. In fact, a recent study found that over a quarter of pregnant women had a change in their prescriptions during pregnancy.
Most changes are likely temporary and will improve after you give birth
But if you do have eye problems, they shouldn’t be ignored as a normal part of pregnancy. Some vision issues can signal problems that could affect yours and your baby’s health and should be reported to your doctor.
For example, if you have blurry vision or see floaters or stars in the third trimester, it could be a sign of serious preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can also cause severe changes in the retina, including hemorrhages and detachment.
Dry eyes and puffiness
Many women report waking up with puffy eyelids while pregnant. Your eyes can also feel dry, gritty and tired. Over-the-counter, preservative-free eye drops are effective and safe to use while pregnant; and sleeping with your head elevated can help with puffiness.
Migraines
Headaches and migraines (with flashing lights) can be common during pregnancy, but always tell your doctor to be safe.
Have your eyes checked as part of your prenatal care
Along with your regular pregnancy checks and ultrasounds, it makes sense to also have your eyes examined as early as possible in your pregnancy so you have a baseline to compare against. Call for your appointment today: (561) 338-7722. And throughout your pregnancy, if you notice any changes in your vision or have any problems with your eyes, be sure to call your OB-Gyn doctor.