Pregnancy is a transformative period in a woman’s life, bringing about numerous changes in her body. Among these changes, some women may experience alterations in their vision. This article aims to shed light on the phenomenon of blurry vision during pregnancy, its causes, symptoms, possible prevention strategies, and treatments.
Vision changes during pregnancy are not widely discussed, but they are quite common, affecting approximately 15% of pregnant women. Blurry vision usually occurs after the first trimester and can persist throughout the pregnancy. It’s typically a result of hormonal fluctuations and usually resolves post-partum.
Several factors can contribute to blurry vision during pregnancy:
1. Hormonal changes can reduce tear production, leading to dry and irritated eyes.
2. Fluid retention, due to increased estrogen levels, can alter the shape of your eyes and consequently your vision.
3. A weakened immune system, re-directed towards protecting the fetus, can make you more susceptible to eye infections like conjunctivitis.
4. Some women may notice a decrease in peripheral vision, another side-effect of hormonal changes.
5. Melasma, a common condition during pregnancy, can affect the skin around your eyes.
While these causes are generally harmless, if you experience any vision changes alongside the following conditions, seek immediate medical attention:
1. Preeclampsia: A potentially dangerous condition that can occur from the 20th week of pregnancy onwards, characterized by high blood pressure in women who had normal blood pressure pre-pregnancy.
2. Gestational diabetes: This condition affects women who didn’t have diabetes before their pregnancy. While it usually resolves post-partum, it can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms associated with blurry vision during pregnancy can vary, but common ones include headaches, double vision, dryness, irritation, and changes in your glasses or contact lenses prescription. If you experience persistent double vision, flashing lights, sensitivity to light, temporary vision loss, dimmed vision, auras, or spots or floaters lasting for more than two hours, seek immediate medical help.
Certain risk factors, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure linked to preeclampsia, can increase the likelihood of experiencing vision changes during pregnancy.
While preventing blurry vision during pregnancy may not be possible due to hormonal changes, certain measures can help relieve eye strain:
1. Avoid using contact lenses if they contribute to eye dryness. Opt for glasses instead.
2. Perform eye exercises to strengthen eye muscles and improve focus.
3. Ensure adequate rest and sleep for overall well-being, including eye health.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision during pregnancy, a doctor will perform a physical examination and may order additional tests to rule out other conditions. For diagnosing preeclampsia, they might order blood or urine tests, a fetal ultrasound, or a nonstress test. A glucose challenge test followed by an oral glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes.
While most vision changes resolve post-pregnancy, addressing discomfort is important. Lubricating eye drops can help with dry eyes, frequent rest can prevent worsening of vision, and sunglasses can help with light sensitivity. Avoid getting a new glasses prescription or corrective surgery during pregnancy as vision usually returns to normal post-birth.
Finally, blurry vision during pregnancy is typically not a cause for concern. However, any worrying symptoms must be communicated to your doctor for appropriate advice and management.
This article is authored by Dr. Navin Kumar Gupta, a renowned ophthalmologist based in Mumbai, India. For more information on eye care and services offered at his clinic, Shankar Netrika Eye Centre, visit https://shankarnetrika.com/ or call at 9920044620.
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