Pregnancy is a time of numerous changes, particularly to the hormones and occasionally the eyesight. Some of these changes may be mild or unnoticeable, but others may cause discomfort or have more significant effects on your daily life. While the majority of pregnant women have only transitory visual difficulties, it is vital to monitor eye-light changes and, if necessary, contact an optometrist. This article will cover potential causes of eyesight abnormalities during pregnancy.
The hormones associated with pregnancy can lead to vision changes. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause the shape of your cornea, and the front surface of your eye, to become distorted. This distortion is temporary and typically resolves after giving birth.
The increased fluid retention that frequently happens during pregnancy might cause your eyeballs to swell, resulting in impaired vision. This disorder is known as pseudomyopia, and it normally resolves after birth.
During pregnancy, your blood vessels can also get bigger, making your eyes more sensitive to light and making it harder to see at night.
Due to an increase in hormones and a decrease in the number of glands that produce tears, tear production may be diminished during pregnancy. This can cause a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which causes dry eyes.
If you’re pregnant and experiencing any changes in your vision, it’s important to see an optometrist as soon as possible.
At Alderwood Optical, our optometrists are committed to providing expectant mothers with the highest quality of care. We offer comprehensive eye exams to monitor any changes in vision during pregnancy and provide treatment options for common conditions related to pregnant women’s eyesight, such as pseudomyopia and KCS. In addition, we also offer advice on protective eyewear that can help reduce glare or block UV rays while you’re pregnant. Contact us at (425) 771-8472 for Lynnwood and (425) 485-0430 for Bothell today, or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment!