Pregnancy
During
pregnancy, women's bodies change dramatically. Hormone levels rise,
which may affect eye health and vision. Eye-related changes that may
occur during pregnancy include:
- a change
in refraction, requiring a different prescription for corrective eyewear
- blurry
vision
- dry
eye
- less
tolerance of contact lenses
- worsening
of existing eye conditions
Eyesight
usually returns to normal after delivery.
Vision
problems during pregnancy may signal other health problems. Blurred
vision or seeing spots may indicate gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced
hypertension, an increase in blood pressure that usually occurs after
the twentieth week of pregnancy. Eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, caused
by extremely high blood pressure, can cause eye hemorrhages and retinal
detachment.
Not all
pregnant women develop eye problems, but experts recommend routine examinations
by an eye doctor each trimester. Early treatment is vital to the health
of the mother and baby.
Sources
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The Physician's Guide to Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Other Eye Problems.
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I.P. Eros and Magic in the Renaissance. Chicago, IL: University
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