The physical effects of pregnancy are numerous and varied, but one area that is often overlooked is the impact on vision. Many women experience changes in vision during pregnancy, which can make the experience more uncomfortable and challenging. Understanding these changes is important as an expectant mother, as it can help you take the necessary steps to maintain your eye health during pregnancy.
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How Pregnancy Affects Vision
As the body adapts to support the growth and development of a new life, it experiences an increase in hormone levels, changes in blood circulation, and various other changes that can affect the eyes. As a result, the eyes are working harder to focus, leading to feelings of tiredness and strain.
Hormonal changes can also result in dry eyes, leaving them feeling irritated, scratchy, and uncomfortable. Dry eyes can also make it difficult to wear contact lenses, which may be frustrating for women who rely on them for clear vision.
Shifting hormones can also impact peripheral vision among some women.
Another vision-related concern during pregnancy is an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, a condition that affects blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye disease that can cause vision loss if left untreated. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should be vigilant about monitoring their blood sugar levels and seeking regular eye exams to catch any potential vision problems early.
Finally, because pregnancy strains the immune system, some women are prone to infections of the eyes. For instance, pink eye is common among those who are expecting. This can lead to swollen eyes and blurry vision.
Learn how to pass the pregnancy glucose test so that you can avoid gestational diabetes.
Ways to address pregnancy-related vision problems
1- Wear protective eyewear
The vision exhaustion that pregnant women experience can be worsened by the use of digital devices, which emit harmful blue light that contributes to eye strain and fatigue.
This is where blue light glasses come in. These specialized glasses are designed to reduce the impact of blue light on the eyes and potentially alleviate pregnancy-related vision fatigue.
Case in point, OPSM offers an advanced selective filter technology called Crizal Prevencia for blue light glasses. It provides the smart blocking of blue-violet light while allowing other essential visible light to pass through. These lenses also offer additional benefits, such as UV protection, anti-glare properties, and scratch resistance.
Exposure to sunlight and glare can also exacerbate vision fatigue in pregnant women.
As such, polarized lenses can be beneficial for those experiencing any uncomfortable vision symptoms. These lenses are designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity, making it easier for pregnant women to see clearly and comfortably.
2- Monitor gestational diabetes
According to the CDC, up to 10% of all pregnancies result in the mother developing gestational diabetes. This is a serious condition that can result in diabetic retinopathy if unmonitored. Fortunately, there are many ways to monitor gestational diabetes, but it mainly involves regular testing of blood sugar levels and pre-natal checks. This will allow for a comprehensive examination of the eyes to detect and treat any vision issues early on.
Alongside regular checkups, it should also be managed through lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity. Apart from these, complementary habits like making time for rest, staying hydrated, and the like can ensure that you get enough time to recover every day. Adding these to your daily pregnancy routine as early as now will also benefit you later on, as these habits are among the most helpful postpartum care tips.
3- Use artificial tears
Because many women experience dry eyes during pregnancy, using artificial tears serves as an effective way to keep the eyes moisturized. Also known as lubricating eye drops, these can provide relief from dryness and irritation by supplementing the natural tear film. These eye drops contain preservative-free ingredients that mimic the composition of natural tears, helping to lubricate the eyes and alleviate discomfort while being suitable for pregnancy.
While most lubricating eye drops are generally safe and well-tolerated, one of the most recommended types for pregnant women is those with sodium cromoglicate, such as Optrex Hayfever Relief. This is because little to none of the medicine enters the bloodstream, and any that does poses no harm to the baby.
As a result, this kind of eye drop is also what many doctors prescribe for women post-partum who still experience hormone-related dry eyes.
Of course, it is still important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider before using any eye drops, as individual circumstances may vary.
More Healthy Pregnancy Tips
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