Problems in vision during pregnancy can be caused by the hormonal changes that take place during this period, or it could be a sign of some underlying health conditions. Find out more about this condition by going through this article.
It is quite common for expectant mothers to experience a few discomforts, like morning sickness, constipation, fatigue, and back pain during those nine months. These are some of the most common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Along with these, some pregnant women can experience vision problems, like blurred vision and double vision during this period.
They can also observe spots or floaters, which do not go away easily. All these can cause a lot of anxiety, though occasional blurred vision may not be associated with any major health condition. But if vision disturbances last for several hours, and are accompanied by some other symptoms, then these can indicate an underlying health condition.
Vision Problems During Pregnancy
Like other pregnancy-related discomforts or problems, blurred vision is also caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. The rising levels of pregnancy hormones can decrease the production of tear, which can lead to dryness of the eyes and eye irritation. These hormones can increase the buildup of fluid in various parts of the body, including the eyes. The lens and the cornea can become thicker, and the curvature of the eyes can undergo some changes. All these changes can lead to vision disturbances or blurred vision during pregnancy.
Apart from hormonal changes, this condition can be associated with some other serious conditions at times. It can be associated with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension, especially if it is accompanied by severe headaches and dizziness. Severe headaches and eye problems during pregnancy can be caused by preeclampsia, especially if they persist for more than two or three hours. Vision disturbances and headaches caused by preeclampsia can be accompanied by sudden swelling of the face, eyes, and the hands as well.
Sometimes, blurred vision can occur along with dizziness. During pregnancy, dizziness is caused by the rising levels of the pregnancy hormones. These hormones relax and dilate the blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure, and thus, reduce the flow of blood to the brain. This can eventually cause dizziness. Dizziness can be associated with low blood sugar as well. But persistent dizziness can be a sign of anemia, migraines, high or low blood pressure, and certain other illnesses, especially if headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness occur simultaneously. Dehydration can be another common cause of blurry vision.
Treatment of Pregnancy-related Vision Problems
Vision disturbances experienced during pregnancy usually resolve after delivery. Therefore, physicians usually do not perform any surgery to correct vision during this period. Pregnant women cannot undergo surgery for vision correction. In fact, women who are planning to conceive should not have corrective eye surgery at least six months prior to conception. Women cannot go for this type of surgery for six months after delivery as well. So, physicians usually recommend lubricating eye drops to relieve the irritation, blurred vision, and dryness of the eye.
Pregnancy-induced blurred vision usually resolves after delivery. To sum up, minor vision disturbances during pregnancy is normal. But if you are pregnant, and are experiencing dizziness and blurred vision, along with headaches, palpitations, and sudden swelling of the hands and face, then be sure to inform your physician at the earliest. This can be an indicator of certain serious illnesses, like pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and anemia.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.