During
pregnancy, women's bodies change dramatically. Hormone
levels rise, which may affect eye health and vision.
Eye-related changes that may occur during pregnancy
include:
- a change in refraction, requiring a different
prescription for corrective eyewear
- blurry vision
- dry eye
- less tolerance of contact lenses
- worsening of existing eye conditions
Eyesight usually returns to normal after delivery.
Vision problems during pregnancy may signal other
health problems. Blurred vision or seeing spots may
indicate gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced
hypertension, an increase in blood pressure that usually
occurs after the twentieth week of pregnancy. Eclampsia
and pre-eclampsia, caused by extremely high blood
pressure, can cause eye hemorrhages and retinal
detachment.
Not all pregnant women develop eye problems, but
experts recommend routine examinations by an eye doctor
each trimester. Early treatment is vital to the health
of the mother and baby.
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