During pregnancy, changes in hormones, metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation can also affect your eyes and vision. In most cases temporary.
Some of the eye conditions that sometimes come with pregnancy are:
- Burst blood vessels in the eye – due to forceful vomiting resulting from morning sickness
- Dry eyes- While you’re pregnant, your body’s hormones may affect your eyes’ tear production. Specifically, your eyes might not produce as many tears or as much moisture as they usually do. This reduced lubricant in your eyes makes them feel drier and more uncomfortable. This is usually temporary and goes away after delivery. The good news is that lubricating or rewetting eye drops are perfectly safe to use while you are pregnant or nursing. They can lessen the discomfort of dry eyes.
- Blurred vision-Many pregnant women retain fluids. This common side effect can change the thickness and shape of your cornea.
- Preeclampsia- a complication of pregnancy involving high blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. Symptoms include:
- Temporary loss of vision
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry Vision
- Seeing auras, flashing lights or spots
If you have any of these symptoms call your doctor or go to the Emergency Room A.S.A.P.
- Refractive Changes-During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can alter the strength you need in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Diabetes-Women who are diabetic before their pregnancy and those who develop gestational diabetes need to watch their vision closely.
- Gestational diabetes. This is a form of diabetes that women only develop when they become pregnant. High blood sugar levels can damage the small vessels that supply blood to your retinas, and this damage could lead to other serious eye problems. This condition can also cause blurry vision.
- Puffy eyelids- Don’t skimp on your water intake and stick to a moderate diet, low in sodium and caffeine. These healthy habits can help limit water retention and boost your overall comfort.
- Migraine headaches-Migraine headaches linked to hormonal changes are very common among pregnant women. In some cases, painful migraine headaches make eyes feel more sensitive to light. If you are pregnant and suffering from migraines, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any prescription or non-prescription migraine headache medications.
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