Blurring of vision during pregnancy

Do you experience issues with your vision in pregnancy? Read on and understand the causes.

One common change that is often overlooked is blurred vision in pregnancy. Let’s examine the causes and treatments.

1. Physiological change spontaneously resolves after pregnancy.  

Fluid retention. The cornea thickens due to increased fluid retention (as commonly occurs with the hands and feet). This results in mothers becoming more short-sighted or myopic. Mothers may find that their glasses do not give them as sharp vision as before pregnancy. However, rest assured that this is temporary, thus, changing glasses or contact lens should be delayed. Refractive surgery is also not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. 

Pregnancy also leads to dry eyes due to less tear production. Changes in the cornea and dry eyes during pregnancy may lead to contact lens intolerance. Do switch to your spectacles.

2. Disorders of the eye due to pregnancy  

   Gestational diabetes (GD) is common during pregnancy. In severe cases, it can affect the small blood vessels in the eye and vision.

   
   

   Pre-eclampsia is a condition distinguished by damage to organs, such as the liver and kidney, due to a sudden increase in blood pressure. During pre-eclampsia, the blood flow to the eyes can also be affected, causing vision disturbances. This condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent long-term damage to the mother’s eyes. 

Any pre-existing retinal diseases due to high blood pressure or diabetes can also worsen during pregnancy. If you have any eye symptoms, it is good to have an eye check. After all, you need to see clearly to be able to take care of your baby and yourself. And for the record, it is perfectly safe to have a full eye assessment!