During pregnancy, some women may experience eye problems. The causes of these issues may include hormonal changes, disruption of the body's fluid balance, and increased blood volume. Due to these changes, problems such as eye dryness, blurred vision, and discomfort with contact lenses may occur. To prevent such conditions, it is important not to neglect eye examinations, drink plenty of water, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid spending long periods in front of screens.
Why Do Eye Problems Occur During Pregnancy?
Eye problems during pregnancy are typically caused by hormonal changes. Increases in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels can lead to issues such as eye dryness, blurred vision, myopia, and hypermetropia. Additionally, fluid retention during pregnancy can cause swelling and discomfort in the eyes.
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Changes in corneal thickness: Pregnancy can cause changes in corneal thickness. In such cases, pregnant women may experience temporary changes in their eyeglass prescriptions, or their lens prescriptions if they wear contacts.
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Fluid balance: Due to changes in the body's fluid balance, there may be a reduction in tear production, increasing the risk of eye dryness.
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Fluctuations in blood sugar:Pregnant women with metabolic diseases like diabetes may experience negative effects on retinal vessels due to blood sugar fluctuations. This is a risk factor for eye health and may require regular check-ups.
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Intraocular pressure changes:During pregnancy, changes in intraocular pressure may occur. Patients with glaucoma, in particular, should be cautious and not neglect regular check-ups during this period. Sudden increases or decreases in intraocular pressure can lead to serious problems.
What Are the Common Eye Problems During Pregnancy?
Some vision problems may become more common during pregnancy. Frequent complaints include:
Eye Dryness
During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can affect the functioning of the tear glands and lead to eye dryness. This can result in a sensation of stinging and redness in the eyes and occasionally cause blurred vision. Spending prolonged periods in front of computer screens or in dry environments such as air-conditioned spaces may worsen these complaints.
Blurred Vision
An increase in fluid retention during pregnancy can affect corneal thickness, leading to temporary blurred vision. The vision impairment usually resolves on its own within a few weeks postpartum.
Light Sensitivity
Hormonal effects and increased sensitivity on the surface of the eyes may frequently cause light sensitivity during pregnancy. Looking at bright lights may be uncomfortable and lead to watering of the eyes. Wearing UV-protected sunglasses during sunny days can help alleviate these complaints.
Glaucoma
During pregnancy, intraocular pressure may decrease in some women. However, pregnant women who have previously been treated for glaucoma should be closely monitored.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Women diagnosed with diabetes prior to pregnancy are at risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy. To prevent damage to the retinal vessels, regular fundus examinations are crucial.
How is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated During Pregnancy?
In individuals with diabetes, the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy may increase if it is not already present during pregnancy. Pregnant women with moderate to severe retinopathy may experience progression of fundus involvement. Therefore, it is important for women with diabetes to have regular eye check-ups both before and during pregnancy.
Precautions to Minimize Eye Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period when many women experience various changes in their bodies, which often affect eye health as well. To minimize potential problems, certain precautions can be taken:
1. Regular Eye Examinations: Regular eye exams can be conducted throughout pregnancy. This enables early detection of any problems and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment.
2. Vitamin Supplements: Consuming foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E should be prioritized.
3. Limiting Computer Use: Staring at computers or other electronic devices for long hours can cause eye strain and dry eyes.
4. UV Protection: Using sunglasses can protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. Diabetes Control: Pregnant women with diabetes should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. The risk of diabetic retinopathy may increase due to damage to the retinal vessels caused by high blood sugar levels.
If you experience any eye problems during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eyeglass or lens prescriptions change during pregnancy?
Temporary changes in eyeglass or lens prescriptions may occur during pregnancy due to changes in corneal fluid balance. In most cases, this will return to normal within a few weeks postpartum and does not result in permanent vision impairment. However, if you experience severe blurred vision, you should have an eye examination.
Is it safe to receive glaucoma treatment during pregnancy?
Some eye drops used in glaucoma treatment can cross the placenta and affect the baby, so medication use during pregnancy should be planned by a specialist physician. Your doctor may reduce, change, or, if necessary, switch to alternative treatments.
How can eye dryness be alleviated during pregnancy?
For eye dryness due to hormonal changes, measures such as consuming plenty of water, limiting screen time, and avoiding environments that dry out the eyes can be taken. If severe dryness negatively impacts your quality of life, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
Why does the risk of diabetic retinopathy increase during pregnancy?
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels during pregnancy can more quickly affect the retinal vessels in women with diabetes and accelerate the progression of retinopathy. Therefore, women with diabetes planning for pregnancy should ensure blood sugar control beforehand and have regular fundus examinations during pregnancy.