Most people know some of the common symptoms associated with pregnancy: morning sickness, swollen feet, backaches, and heartburn to name a few. But did you know pregnancy can also affect your eyes? When the body experiences dramatic hormonal fluctuations it can actually change the shape of the eye as well as alter the body’s abilities to perform certain vision functions. Because many people are unaware of these potential pregnancy symptoms, they can cause distress. Learning more about women’s eye health can help you prepare for any potential changes to your vision. Here are some ways pregnancy can affect your vision and eye health so that you can be prepared.
Potential Eye Changes During Pregnancy
Blurred Vision
During pregnancy, you will likely experience swelling in areas such as the feet, ankles, legs, hands, and face. Swelling can also happen in the eyes as they fill with more fluid than usual. This increased pressure makes the cornea thicker, which leads to blurred vision. This blurriness should subside postpartum but in the meantime, you can try to decrease blurred vision by using eye drops, resting your eyes, and not wearing contacts. The shape of your eye may change during pregnancy, which will alter how your contacts fit and can make vision even more blurred. You can get an updated prescription and new eyeglasses for temporary relief, but you will likely return to your old prescription after delivery.
Dry Eyes
During pregnancy, tear production may be affected. The hormone fluctuations a person experiences while pregnant can cause the tear ducts to not produce enough oils or tear fluid, leading to quicker tear evaporation and a lack of adequate lubrication. If you experience dry eyes during pregnancy, some solutions for short-term relief include using warm compresses, artificial tears, a humidifier in your home, and wearing wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors to avoid wind and dust. Dry eye symptoms may disappear after delivery, but it is possible for Dry Eye Syndrome to continue after pregnancy and become a regular part of your life. For long-term solutions, ask your optometrist about punctal plugs, which are small devices that are inserted into the tear drainage ducts to keep tears in the eyes. Lacrisert is another option for dry eye treatment. This tiny insert filled with lubricating ingredients is placed inside the lower lid to reduce eye dryness.
Diabetes
If someone has diabetes it can cause damage to the small blood vessels within the retina. For those who enter pregnancy already diagnosed with diabetes, the risk of damage to these blood vessels increases. Diabetes can also occur temporarily during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes can typically be managed with healthy eating, exercise, and medication to bring blood sugar down to a healthy level and often is resolved post-pregnancy.
Other Pre-Existing Conditions
Women who have been previously diagnosed with conditions such as glaucoma or high blood pressure should let their optometrist know they are pregnant. The hormone changes associated with pregnancy can cause preexisting conditions to become more severe and symptoms to worsen. This can lead to permanent vision impairment if not addressed and monitored early.
Calgary Comprehensive Eye Exams From Specs In The City
If you are pregnant, you should schedule an eye exam as a part of your pregnancy journey. While some changes in the eyes are completely normal, it is important to make sure that everything is minor, temporary, and will not lead to vision problems in the future. Taking care of yourself is always important, but it is extra beneficial when your body is going through rapid changes. For a comprehensive eye exam, contact Blink Eyewear. With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book a comprehensive eye exam with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.
