As an expectant mother, you should:
1. be aware of vision
changes during pregnancy and
2. know what symptoms
indicate a serious problem.
Refractive
Changes
During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can alter the strength you need in
your eyeglasses or contact
lenses. Though this is is usually nothing to worry about, it’s a good idea
to discuss any vision changes with an eye doctor
who can help you decide whether or not to change your prescription. The doctor
may simply tell you to wait a few weeks after delivery before making a change
in your prescription.
Dry Eyes
Some women experience dry eyes during pregnancy. 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.
It’s also good to know that contact
lenses, contact lens solutions and enzymatic cleaners are safe to use while you
are pregnant. To reduce the irritation caused by a combination of dry eyes and
contact lenses, try cleaning your contact lenses with an enzymatic cleaner more
often. If dry, irritated eyes make wearing contacts too uncomfortable, don’t
worry. Your eyes will return to normal within a few weeks after delivery.
Puffy Eyelids
Puffiness around the eyes is another common side effect of certain hormonal
changes women may have while pregnant. Puffy eyelids may interfere with side
vision. As a rule of thumb, 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.
If you suffer from any pre-existing
eye conditions, like glaucoma,
high blood pressure or diabetes,
it's very important to tell your eye doctor that you are pregnant. Your eye
doctor may watch closely for changes in your vision during this exciting time
in your life.
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.
Prenatal care helps keep both you
and your unborn child healthy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are having any
problems. Keep your eye doctor up-to-date about your overall health. Tell him
or her about any pre-existing conditions, and about any prescription and
non-prescription medications you are taking.
Diabetes
Women who are diabetic before their pregnancy and those who develop gestational
diabetes need to watch their vision closely. Blurred vision in such
cases may indicate elevated blood sugar levels.
High Blood
Pressure
In some cases, a woman may have blurry vision or spots in front of her eyes
while pregnant. These symptoms can be caused by an increase in blood pressure
during pregnancy. At excessive levels, high blood pressure can even cause retinal
detachment.
Glaucoma
Women being treated for glaucoma should tell their eye doctor right
away if they are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
While many glaucoma medications are safe to take
during pregnancy, certain glaucoma medications such as carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors can be harmful to the developing baby.
Call and schedule your appointment today (308)872-2291
Posted on
Sat, April 24, 2010
by Melinda Kennel
filed under