During pregnancy, some women may experience eye problems. The causes of this can include hormonal changes, disruption in the body's fluid balance, and increased blood volume. Due to these changes, issues such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and discomfort with contact lenses may arise. To prevent such issues, it is important not to neglect eye exams, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, and avoid spending prolonged time in front of screens.
Why Do Eye Problems Occur During Pregnancy?
Eye problems seen during pregnancy are generally caused by hormonal changes. Increases in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels can lead to issues such as dry eyes, blurred vision, myopia, and hypermetropia. Additionally, fluid retention in the body during pregnancy can cause swelling and discomfort in the eyes.
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Changes in cornea thickness: Changes in the thickness of the cornea can occur during pregnancy. In this case, pregnant women may sometimes experience temporary changes in their glasses prescriptions or changes in their lens prescriptions if they are using lenses.
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Fluid balance: Due to changes in the body's fluid balance, a reduction in tear production can increase the risk of dry eyes.
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Blood sugar fluctuations: In pregnant women with metabolic diseases like diabetes, blood sugar fluctuations can negatively impact the retinal vessels. This situation is a risk factor for eye health and may require regular monitoring.
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Changes in intraocular pressure: Changes in intraocular pressure can also occur during pregnancy. Particularly, glaucoma patients need to be cautious during this period and should not neglect their regular check-ups. 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:
Dry Eyes
During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can affect the operation of the tear glands, leading to dry eyes. This condition can cause a stinging sensation and redness in the eyes and occasionally blurred vision. Looking at a computer screen for long durations or being in dry environments like those with air conditioning can exacerbate complaints.
Blurred Vision
Increased fluid retention during pregnancy can affect the thickness of the cornea, causing temporary blurred vision. The vision impairment usually resolves itself in the weeks following childbirth.
Light Sensitivity
Hormonal effects and increased sensitivity on the eye surface often cause light sensitivity during pregnancy. Looking at bright lights can be uncomfortable and may lead to tearing in the eyes. Wearing UV-protected sunglasses on sunny days can help alleviate these complaints.
Glaucoma
During pregnancy, intraocular pressure may drop in some women. However, pregnancy in women previously treated for glaucoma should be carefully monitored.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Women diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy may be at risk of diabetic retinopathy progression. Regular retinal examinations are important to prevent damage to retinal vessels.
How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Treated During Pregnancy?
In individuals with diabetes, there is an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy developing during pregnancy if it is not already present. Pregnant women with moderate to severe retinopathy may experience progression of retinal involvement. Therefore, it is essential for diabetic patients to have regular eye check-ups before and during pregnancy.
Precautions to Reduce Eye Problems During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a period during which many women experience various changes in their bodies, and these changes often affect eye health as well. Some precautions can be taken to minimize potential issues:
1. Regular Eye Examinations: Regular eye examinations can be conducted throughout pregnancy. In this way, any issues that arise can be diagnosed early, and appropriate treatment can begin immediately.
2. Vitamin Supplements: Care can be taken to consume foods containing vitamins A, C, and vitamin E.
3. Limiting Computer Use: Prolonged exposure to computers or other electronic devices can lead to eye fatigue and dry eyes.
4. UV Protection: Wearing sunglasses can protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. Diabetes Management: For pregnant women with diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring should be performed. The risk of diabetic retinopathy increases because high blood sugar levels can damage the retinal blood vessels.
If you experience any eye problems during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the prescription for glasses or lenses change during pregnancy?
Temporary changes in the prescription for glasses or lenses may occur during pregnancy due to changes in the fluid balance in the cornea. In most cases, this condition returns to normal within a few weeks after delivery and does not cause permanent visual impairment. However, if you experience significant blurred vision, you should definitely have an eye examination.
Is it safe to undergo glaucoma treatment during pregnancy?
Since some eye drops used in glaucoma treatment can pass through the placenta and affect the baby, medication use during pregnancy should be planned by a specialist physician. Your doctor may reduce or change the medication dosage or direct you to alternative treatments if necessary.
How to relieve dry eyes during pregnancy?
Measures such as consuming plenty of water, limiting screen time, and avoiding environments that dry the eyes can be taken for dry eyes developed due to hormonal changes. If severe dryness negatively affects your quality of life, a visit to an eye doctor is recommended.
Why does the risk of diabetic retinopathy increase during pregnancy?
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels during pregnancy can more rapidly affect the retinal blood vessels in women with diabetes and worsen retinopathy symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that women with diabetes planning pregnancy achieve blood sugar control beforehand, and undergo regular retinal examinations during pregnancy.