Vision during Pregnancy

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

Condition

Advice

Reduced tolerance of contact lenses
Increased dryness

Corneal Edema:
The cornea becomes more susceptible to irritation.

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.

Blurred vision

Changes in the retina:
This can be due to pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes

Be sure to have your blood sugar levels monitored if you are diabetic.

Distorted vision

Central Serous Choriodopathy:
This is caused by a leakage of fluid between the fine layers of the eye.

 See your eyecare professional.

"Tunnel vision"

Pituitary Adenoma:
A hormone secreting tumor.

The condition is very rare but if symptomatic, see an eyecare professional.

Pre-existing symptoms of glaucoma improve

Glaucoma(pre-existing condition):
High pressure in the eye.

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

Blurred vision

Gestational Diabetes:
An elevation of blood sugar levels during the last half of pregnancy

Follow your obstetrician’s advice.

Blurred vision
Spots in front of eyes

Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)

PIH generally resolves itself after delivery, but early treatment is vital to minimizing complications with the pregnancy.

Detached retina

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia:
This condition is caused by elevated blood pressure reaching dangerous levels.

Your obstetrician should closely monitor you. Consult with an ophthalmologist regarding any effects on your vision.

REFERENCE: BETTER VISION INSTITUTE