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April 24, 2021 | Author: Admin
Overview
During pregnancy, the body undergoes multiple changes. Hormonal changes, blood circulation, metabolic changes and fluid retention can cause an effect on several tissues and organs of the body including eyesight in pregnancy.
Symptoms of eye problem that appear during pregnancy are mild and will disappear after the delivery. Sometimes symptoms might be severe and require immediate medical intervention. Having a healthy diet can reduce some pregnancy-related eye symptoms.
Effect Of Pregnancy On Eyes Physiology
Pregnancy can affect several ocular structures, including the eyelid, conjunctiva, retina, optic nerve and cornea. Women with hypertension and who are at increased risk of gestational diabetes may have negative effects on retinal health.
Pregnancy can influence the physiology of tear film of the eye. The Interruption in the function of tear film leads to dryness of the eyes. Dehydration due to nausea and vomiting can further increase dryness.
There is also a chance of alteration in corneal thickness and curvature. However, this alteration can resolve after the end of birth and lactation period. The myopic shift may occur due to the increased curvature of the lens.
During pregnancy, there may be changes in the cornea and lacrimal system, which can cause an increase in the intolerance to contact lens use. It is best to avoid making new eyeglasses and using contact lenses during pregnancy.
Common Eye Conditions During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there are retinal vascular changes due to a condition known as pre-eclampsia. Preeclampsia is a complicated disease and characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Preeclampsia symptoms include blurry vision, flickering of light and increased sensitivity to light (photopsia) or even temporary blackouts and blindness. It usually begins to develop in the body after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Eyes become more sensitive to light during pregnancy. The complaint of having frequent headaches or migraine can also happen at that time. The use of sunglasses with mirror coating may help to deal with headaches or migraine.
During pregnancy, there is a chance of decreased production of tears. Alter in the production of tear cause your eyes to dry and become itchy and irritable. Use of suitable medication in your eyes will prevent the symptoms asv prescribed by the eye care professional.
Changes in hormones also cause dryness and irritation in the eyes. You should consult your doctor if you have trouble with vision while using your current contact lenses.
Pregnancy can affect the pre-existing condition. For instance, if a person already has diabetes, it is necessary to take advice from an ophthalmologist in early pregnancy.
Tips To Improve Eye Conditions During Pregnancy
Eye conditions during pregnancy are usually mild and temporary. They are preventable by taking proper care of your eyes. There are several preventive measures mentioned below to keep your eyes healthy during pregnancy.
• Intake of food with high omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EFA) will help in relieving dryness. Omega-3 fatty acid also plays an essential role in the development of a baby’s brain. Food containing omega-3 fatty acids include cooked salmon fish, flax seeds and walnuts.
• Dryness of the eyes causes discomfort while wearing contact lenses. Therefore, frequent cleaning of contact lens with solution or cleaner helps to avoid dry eyes and irritation.
• The best option is to keep your contact lens away. The lens is the reason behind multiple ocular changes. They even change the shape of your cornea. Therefore, they irritate and give stress to your eyes.
• Performing some eye exercises during pregnancy helps to keep you away from eye problems. Take help from a professional ophthalmologist about easy eye exercises.
• Always try to read in proper light and avoid looking on digital screens for a long time. It is a better option to keep your vision healthy. It is good to give sufficient rest to your eyes.
• Proper sleep is required to give sufficient rest to the eyes. It also helps in maintaining a healthy vision.
Conclusion
It is common to have visual complaints during pregnancy. These visual complaints tend to go away as your body heals after delivery. It is necessary to keep your professional ophthalmologist aware of the symptoms regarding your vision so that he/she can prescribe corrective and management treatment options. You must take good care of your eyes throughout your pregnancy period.
