VISION CHANGES DURING PREGNANCY
brought to you by the Better Vision Institute :
What Expectant Mothers Should Know
The news is out and you can’t wait to share it. Prepare yourself for months of physical and emotional upheaval. Your weight changes, your skin changes, your mood changes and even your vision changes. These are the joys, and the trials, of pregnancy.
“During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes drastically to prepare for the birth of her child,” says ophthalmologist Wendell Wong, a BVI Advisory Council member. “An increase in hormones often causes temporary eye conditions and although vision returns to normal after delivery, seeing an eye care professional can help ease the transition process.”
VISION PROBLEMS
Symptoms
Reduced tolerance of contact lenses
Increased dryness
Condition
Corneal Edema:
The cornea becomes more susceptible to irritation.
Advice
Decrease or discontinue contact lens wear if symptoms persist. Keep a pair of comfortable glasses handy. This is not the time to be fitted for contact lenses.
Symptom
Blurred vision
Condition
Changes in the retina:
This can be due to pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes
Advice
Be sure to have your blood sugar levels monitored if you are diabetic.
Symptom
Distorted vision
Condition
Central Serous Choroidopathy:
This is caused by a leakage of fluid between the fine layers of the eye.
Advice
See your eyecare professional.
Symptom
“Tunnel vision”
Condition
Pituitary Adenoma:
A hormone secreting tumor.
Advice
The condition is very rare but if symptomatic, see an eye care professional.
Symptom
Pre-existing symptoms of glaucoma improve
Condition
Glaucoma(pre-existing condition):High pressure in the eye.
Advice
Eye pressure decreases. In some instances, however, medication is still required. As with all medications, glaucoma treatments should be used with extreme caution in pregnant women.
Vision problems that may indicate a more serious condition
Symptom
Blurred vision
Condition
Gestational Diabetes:
An elevation of blood sugar levels during the last half of pregnancy.
Advice
Follow your obstetrician’s advice.
Symptom
Blurred vision And/or Spots in front of eyes.
Condition
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH).
Advice
PIH generally resolves itself after delivery, but early treatment is vital to minimizing complications with the pregnancy.
Symptom
Detached retina
Condition
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia:
This condition is caused by elevated blood pressure reaching dangerous levels.
Advice
Your obstetrician should closely monitor you. Consult with an ophthalmologist regarding any effects on your vision.
