Minnesota Optometric Association Advises, Watch For Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Also Included In: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Article Date: 11 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Many expectant mothers don't include an eye exam in their prenatal health care plan because of this persistent myth: it is not safe to have your eyes dilated during pregnancy. Not only is it perfectly safe to have a thorough, dilated eye exam, under some conditions it's a good idea, says Dr. Linda Chous, president-elect of the Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) and pediatric optometrist with the Glasses Menagerie in Minneapolis.

Here's why: although uncommon, along with expanding waist and shoe sizes comes a slight possibility of vision changes. Since changes in vision may also signal other health conditions, a thorough eye exam during pregnancy makes good sense.

Possible vision changes during pregnancy:

- The cornea, the front part of the eye, may swell, causing difficulty in wearing contact lenses. After delivery or breast feeding, most women who stopped wearing their contacts can go back to them.

- Women who wear glasses may notice slight changes in vision, and a few may need a new refraction for glasses.

- Hormonal increases can also cause dry eyes and puffy eyelids that can make contact lens wear uncomfortable.

- Migraine headaches caused by hormonal changes can in turn cause sensitivity to light.

Hormonal changes are the most common cause of any vision changes during pregnancy as well as the more common experience of dry eyes. The sensation of dry eyes may be treated with rewetting drops, and it's perfectly safe to continue using the appropriate solutions and enzymatic cleaners. Many women, though, opt for wearing their glasses instead during this time. Dr. Chous suggests having an updated prescription and glasses you feel good about wearing.

"If you do experience changes in vision, your optometrist can determine whether these changes are too slight for a change of refraction or not. If you need new glasses, your eyes can then be examined again after birth or breastfeeding, to be sure the prescription is current," said Dr. Chous. "Being able to experience optimal sight during the nine months of your pregnancy is just as important as being well in other ways."

Some pre-existing health conditions create more risk of vision change during pregnancy, and should be regularly checked:

- Diabetes. Elevated blood sugars can cause blurred vision
- High blood pressure
- Glaucoma
- Women who have taken fertility treatments

During pregnancy, there is a risk of eventually developing gestational diabetes, and diabetes is itself a risk for diabetic retinopathy. The rate of gestational diabetes was estimated at 3.6 percent in 2001, and raises the risk of developing diabetes type 2 by 19 percent. Retinopathy can develop as the disease progresses, but may accelerate during pregnancy, so blood sugar management is vital.

Pregnancy can also cause an increase in blood pressure, which may be indicated by blurry sight and seeing spots. Retinal blood vessel damage can occur at uncontrolled blood pressure levels and must be treated immediately.

Vision Warning signs

Blurred vision and seeing spots could be signs of a more serious problem and must be discussed with a doctor immediately.

Pre-natal risks

We know the risks to the general health and weight of infants by expectant mothers who smoke and use alcohol or drugs. According to the American Optometric Association, these risky behaviors, along with prematurity, increase the possibility of amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes) and other refractive errors in these infants.

A healthy pregnancy means holistic health care and healthy habits, including caring for eye health and sight.

Good sight after the baby arrives

For new moms who wear glasses or contacts: If you need to get up at night do you stumble around without your glasses? When you need to get up and feed the baby, a convenient solution for instant good sight may be extended wear contact lenses that you can sleep with. Your Doctor of Optometry can discuss the different types of contact lenses that are right for you.

The Minnesota Optometric Association has over 500 member doctors of optometry around the state. The MOA is committed to furthering awareness of optometrists as primary eye care or family eye doctors and to bringing about change that positively impacts the MOA member doctors and their patients.

Minnesota Optometric Association