Carrying a child puts a lot of stress on a woman’s body. It impacts all systems in the human body, and while ‘seeing double’ may not be a problem, there are other eyesight challenges that are quite common to pregnancy. Read through our list, and don’t wait to get professional help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
One reoccurring issue of pregnancy is ‘dry eyes’. In fact, eyes may be irritated and tired, as a regular part of childbearing. While it is usually nothing to be worried about over the long term, if the problem persists, or becomes too uncomfortable, you should see an eyecare professional to ensure there are no underlying issues. For those pregnant moms that wear contact lenses, you may need to switch to glasses to minimize the irritation.
Similarly, blurry vision is not uncommon for pregnant women. The reason for this can be as simple as the fact that retaining water is a regular part of the pregnancy process for many women, and when this happens, it can affect the shape and thickness of your cornea, causing distorted vision. It usually dissipates after birth, but if the problem persists, see an eyecare specialist.
Some expectant mothers who are also diabetic may develop a condition related to pregnancy known as diabetic retinopathy. It affects the small blood vessels that serve your retina, and you could experience vision problems. Many eyecare professionals now recommend that pregnant women with diabetes have regular checkups to ensure that your vision remains healthy during pregnancy, and after the baby is born.
High blood pressure is also prevalent in expectant mothers. It can lead to many problems, including what is known as preeclampsia. High blood pressure can have damaging effects on many organs, including your eyes, and the symptoms are varied. Pregnant women with preeclampsia may experience blurry vision, or sensitivity to light. They may also see spots, and in some worst-case scenarios, even struggle with temporary blindness.
So, if you are expecting, and you weren’t expecting vision problems, do not hesitate and think they will go away on their own. Make an appointment with an eyecare specialist at Sea Island Eyecare. Your vision is our concern.