TAMPA - With so much attention being paid lately to celebrities and their pregnancies, the issue of good prenatal care seems to become a secondary subject. The focus should be placed on educating all women on the effects that pregnancy can have on the body and the importance of healthy habits. While many women know to expect changes in their complexions, expanding waistlines and shoe sizes, they may not know of the possible vision changes that can occur during pregnancy. Women currently undergoing fertility treatments may also experience vision changes.
Because the cornea, the front of the eye where light enters, can thicken during pregnancy, some pregnant women may discover that their contact lenses have become uncomfortable. Women who wear glasses may also notice changes in vision. Fortunately, most women won't require a change in prescription and many find they can go back to their contacts once they have delivered or stopped breastfeeding.
Women can still have their eyes safely dilated while pregnant. Because of an increase in hormones, some may notice changes in their vision including
refractive changes, dry eyes, puffy eyelids that obscure side vision and sensitivity to light due to migraine headaches. Some vision changes in pregnant women, such as blurred vision and seeing spots, may be signs of a more serious problem and should be discussed with a doctor immediately.
"Women who have any pre-existing eye conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, must let their eye doctor know that they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so the doctor can monitor closely for any changes in vision," said Jay Tobin, President & CEO of Prevent Blindness Florida.
To request a free "Pregnancy and Your Vision" fact sheet or for more information on women's general eye health, please call Prevent Blindness Florida at 813.874.2020 or visit www.preventblindness.org/Florida.
