Potential Vision Changes During Pregnancy

The bodies of pregnant women go through many hormonal and physical shifts. Pregnancy can also affect a woman’s eyes. Unfortunately, with so many other things going on during that time, a woman can overlook changes in her eyesight. That’s when an ophthalmologist can help. 

An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Their expertise ranges from testing sight to diagnosing, treating and managing vision changes. These trained experts play an important part in patients’ vision by managing and rectifying maladies of the eyes, as well as providing care to their whole system and related structures. 

These changes are possible. 

Blurred vision

Some women notice mild changes in their eyesight and may think they now need eyeglasses or must update their existing prescription. During the gestation period, however, many women retain bodily fluid, which can include in the lenses and the corneas. No worries, though: Vision usually returns to normal after the baby’s birth or when breastfeeding has ended.

Dry eye

Its cause is hormonal changes to the structure of the tear film (a unique thin fluid layer that covers an eye’s outer mucosal surfaces). Dry eye can result in a gritty feeling and make wearing contact uneasy. An ophthalmologist can advise you on the kind of artificial tears to use. 

Hypertension/pre-eclampsia

Look out for blurring and/or vision loss. They can indicate elevated blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, which requires prompt treatment. It can also present itself as double vision, increased light sensitivity, or flashes and floaters. It’s cause to seek advice from an ophthalmologist. 

Most of the vision shifts are reversible and not cause for concern; a woman’s sight should return to normal after her baby is born. The office of Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis is committed to the vision health of all of our patients. We have earned the trust of all of our patrons and look forward to earning yours. For more information about our business and services, please don’t hesitate to call us today.

 

By Glaucoma Consultants of St. Louis

March 28, 2022