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    How your vision can change during pregnancy

    28 May 2019 3:18 PM | Posted by
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    It’s inevitable that you will experience hormonal changes during and post-pregnancy, but did you know that your vision can also be impaired as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy? It can make you sensitive to light, give you headaches and for people who have pre-existing conditions such as  such as glaucoma, your symptoms could worsen during pregnancy.

    No need to stress too much though. It’s actually quite common for women to experience changes in their vision during the time they are pregnant. While it’s not something that usually occurs as soon as you fall pregnant, some soon-to-be mums may experience eye problems at some stage of their pregnancy.

    To put your mind at ease, we asked Specsavers Optometrist Greeshma Patel to shed more light on pregnancy eyesight and distorted vision during pregnancy.  

    RELATED: Do You Get Regular Eye Checks?

    RELATED: How To Treat Dry Eyes

    Can pregnancy affect your eyesight?

    Well, yes. As we mentioned, hormonal changes contribute to this, and Greeshma informs us that the fluctuations in hormonal levels can lead to dry eyes, blurred or distorted vision as well as spots and floaters. She assures us that “they will disappear as quickly as they appeared after childbirth. However, it’s always important to visit your optometrist in case these are symptoms of something other than hormonal changes.”

    Is it dangerous?

    Most eye problems are temporary and as mentioned, are linked to hormonal changes or fluid retention. However, it’s always better to be on the safer side. Greeshma advises that if you do find you are experiencing eye problems, it’s always best to see your GP or an optometrist right away as these could also be indications of something more serious, “for example, blurry vision could be a sign of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia." (which is caused by high blood pressure)

    Does blurred or ‘pregnancy eyesight’ affect all women?

    “No. Just like all symptoms of pregnancy, there isn’t a one size fits all” says Greeshma. “Some women may experience problems with their eyes and others may not – just like how some women may experience morning sickness and others may not.”

    Is there anything you can do to prevent blurred or impaired vision when you’re pregnant?

    Greeshma tells us that unfortunately there’s not much we can do to prevent disturbed vision while pregnant. We just need to be aware of it and make sure you get the best help possible right away. She also suggests it may be a good idea to have a friend or family on hand to “assist with driving until your vision goes back to normal.”

    What can you do to treat it?

    “Depending on what you’re experiencing, there may be treatments that can help you. They could range from changing lifestyle and diet to medication” she explains. Greeshma reiterates that it’s always best to speak to your optometrist and GP to find out the best options for your situation.

    Another thing Greeshma suggests taking a note of, is your family history. If eye problems are something you know run in your family, then its best to let your know GP know as many eye conditions can be passed on from generation to generation.

    While Greeshma gives some very useful advice, your first port of call should you experience any of these symptoms, should always be your own, regular GP and optometrist.

    Have you or anyone you know of experienced blurry vision or any eye issues during their pregnancy?

     

     

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    43 Member Comments

    Peggy Rothchild 29 Aug 2019 8:42 PM

    Thank you PRIEST ODUNGA for making me fertile after 22 years of marriage. I am a barren woman, in fact now its, I was a barren woman. I say this testimony in regards of Priest Odunga who granted my wish after 22 years of marriage. No one of my people and friends or family believed i would ever get pregnant not to talk of giving birth. Now i am a mother of twins? I am indeed the most happiest woman to say this testimony for everyone to read. I am Eunice Stein. I am 54 years of age. This is my first writing on the net about anything this serious especially as for 22 years i have not been for once pregnant since i got married to my husband. Please, do you need help with your fertility problem? CONTACT PRIEST ODUNGA. Do you need your problem solved such as getting your ex back? CONTACT PRIEST ODUNGA. He is the solution to all your problems. His online email is odungaspelltemple@gmail.com he will solve all your problems

    aoperez 26 Jul 2019 11:19 AM

    I also have had no eyesight problems with pregnancy but my carpal tunnel has been off the charts and another problem to watch out for!

    Stacey827 30 May 2019 12:44 PM

    I never had vision problems with pregnancy, but I did have every other body problem imagineable! It is crazy what pregnancy can cause

    Lucy16 6 Jun 2019 1:31 PM

    I know!

    But they’re worth it!

    jillian206 30 May 2019 12:00 PM

    Ah...there is a danger or growing blood vessels behind the eyes during pregnancy too. This is relevant for women with pre-existing diabetes.

    Lucy16 6 Jun 2019 1:33 PM

    My husband's aunt went blind after pregnancy...

    MoonlightSak16 30 May 2019 11:14 AM

    My dark circles got worse after pregnancy.

    MoonlightSak16 30 May 2019 11:10 AM

    I knew pregnancy could affect your dental health.

    Lucy16 6 Jun 2019 1:34 PM

    Yep, to do with lack of calcium absorption!

    onlyoni 30 May 2019 9:21 AM

    I don't remember having any problems with my vision when I was pregnant.

    Petal 30 May 2019 7:46 AM

    I've never been pregnant, and none of my loved ones experienced vision problems due to pregnancy.

    Chrystalage 30 May 2019 2:00 AM

    Not related to pregnancy, I've had floaters and they aren't pleasant. I asked the optometrist about it and the answer went over my head.

    MoonlightSak16 30 May 2019 11:13 AM

    yes when my son was little and we had taken him to Sydney eye hospital as he had eye complications and he was about 5 years old and started explaining to the doctors about floaters in his eye and I guess he must have spent at least an hour with the eye specialist trying to understand it all. It was fascinating and the questions he asked were beyond his age.

    Chrystalage 31 May 2019 4:18 PM

    Did the doctor explain the reason for the floaters

    Okatko 30 May 2019 8:19 AM

    I’ve got floaters too. I was told that they’re caused by head injuries. I’ve Dr googled it and it seems they’re mainly an age related thing. I’ve had mine since my 20’s so I think mine were caused by head injuries. They don’t bother me.

    Okatko 30 May 2019 8:18 AM

    I’ve got floaters too. I was told that they’re caused by head injuries. I’ve Dr googled it and it seems they’re mainly an age related thing. I’ve had mine since my 20’s so I think mine were caused by head injuries. They don’t bother me.

    Okatko 30 May 2019 8:22 AM

    Edited double post: it looks like my phone is struggling this morning and can’t keep up with me

    Shop A Everyday 29 May 2019 11:51 PM

    Hormones affect everything

    Beautybabe140194 29 May 2019 11:06 PM

    Very interesting article. I had not heard of this before.

    RAWRSKIES 29 May 2019 10:32 PM

    Interesting. I have not heard much about this, but very good to be aware. Thanks BH!

    Belle88 29 May 2019 4:26 PM

    Interesting article. I haven't been pregnant, but hubby and I are trying. I have been short-sighted for practically my whole life so it will be interesting to see if I experience any extra vision issues when I become pregnant. Hopefully not!

    GeeJ 29 May 2019 2:40 PM

    Will be good if pregnancy make me ditch my glasses. Wishful thinking.

    ThisIsMe 29 May 2019 2:09 PM

    I think that after I had my kids my eyesight deteriorated! I know it's odd but I never needed glasses until after giving birth!

    Brown Beauty 29 May 2019 1:20 PM

    I wish I know it earlier and our GP do not inform us about this issue.

    PrettyPrincess 29 May 2019 9:47 AM

    Thankfully I didn’t have vision problems in my pregnancies.

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