It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to go through different kinds of symptoms while they are pregnant. Some even experience blurred vision in one eye during pregnancy. But there is nothing to worry about, this is pretty common and a lot of women experience blurred vision as well. However, it’s important to note that some women with myopia might be at risk of retinal detachment during normal delivery.
Blurred Vision In One Eye During Pregnancy
So the real question is- Is the blurred vision permanent? The answer is no. Fortunately, the vision changes that you are experiencing will automatically go away right after you give birth. There are many reasons why you get blurred vision in one eye during pregnancy, it could be due to high blood pressure, hormonal changes, or water retention.
When does it actually start? A lot of women say that vision changes occur during the second trimester, others say that it happens during their last trimester. For some, it occurs from the very beginning and progresses into a much worse situation.
What Are The Causes
Women get hazy vision during pregnancy because of various reasons. Some of which are:
- Decreased tear production. This is one of the effects of pregnancy hormones apart from so many other things that come with pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones decrease the production of tears in the eye resulting in blurry vision. Moreover, it also results in eye irritation and discomfort.
- Eye pressure. There is also a tendency for the hormones to cause your eye to get pressured. When this happens, fluids will start to build up in the eye resulting in vision changes during pregnancy. Eye pressure is also often accompanied by eye sensitivity which makes wearing contact lenses quite uncomfortable.
- Increased progesterone levels. Apart from blurry vision, this could also cause double vision.
- High blood pressure. Your health is also one factor to consider. Pregnant women with high blood pressure might experience hazy vision due to preeclampsia. Be sure to inform your doctor about your condition so he can monitor you and your baby’s health.
If you are experiencing specific vision changes such as floaters, flashing lights, and pain, inform your doctor immediately.
It could be an unpleasant situation to have blurry vision among other symptoms of pregnancy for a whole 9 months. The blurriness may or may not stand in the way of your daily chores and activities. This is the reason why it is important to prioritize safety precautions. If possible, avoid driving at night while you are pregnant.
But cheer up because your eyesight will return to its normal state once your baby is out. And you will most likely see clearly right away!
Remedies For Blurred Vision During Pregnancy
Even though the vision changes are temporary, 6 months or more is still a long time for someone to endure sudden blurriness. Here are some of the things that you do to help with your blurred vision:
- Eye drops for pregnant women. Not all eye drops are safe for pregnant women to use. So when you’re buying, be sure to check the label to see if the product is okay for you to use. It would be better to ask your doctor for a recommendation as much as possible. Eye drops will alleviate dryness and keep your eyes moisturized.
- Let your eyes rest. One of the few things that keep a pregnant woman occupied is by browsing their social media and checking out things on the internet. But it is important to lessen the use of gadgets to give your eyes a rest. If you like reading books, make sure to read in a well-lit room to avoid eye strain.
- Avoid contact lenses. While it may be true that wearing contact lenses is much comfortable than wearing eyeglasses, it could be a different situation when you are pregnant. Your eyes will most likely get very sensitive during pregnancy and wearing contact lenses might become uncomfortable. Wear eyeglasses in the meantime to avoid triggering eye sensitivity.
- Try eye exercises. You read it right. Consult your ophthalmologist for effective eye exercises that will help you see better and reduce blurriness.
- Get plenty of sleep. Sleep lets our body heal and restore energy. It also allows our body organs, including the eyes, to rest to retain their natural health.
Additionally, since the changes in your vision are temporary, it would be wiser to not get new prescription eyeglasses while you are pregnant. Your eyesight should go back to normal after delivery.
Some pregnant women opt for Lasik surgery as well but doctors warn that this might result in overcorrection. If your eye is overcorrected, you would need to undergo another surgery to fix them. Overall, do not try to fix or correct your yes while you are pregnant, wait until after your baby is out to see if the changes in your vision are permanent.
Prevention
Sadly, you can’t really prevent blurred vision during pregnancy from occurring. But there are some ways for you to prepare for it. For example, get yourself an anti UV eyeglass so you can still use gadgets without straining your eyes. You may also opt to keep your eyes moisturized by using eye drops from time to time.
Other Vision Problems
Aside from blurred vision, pregnant women are also susceptible to eye infections such as the pink eye. The reason behind this is because a woman’s immune system typically gets weak during pregnancy, making them an easy target for infection.
Another vision problem that might occur is reduced peripheral vision, this also a common side effect of hormone changes. Doctors recommend that it is much safer if women don’t drive during pregnancy because of this reason.
Pregnancy hormones will also cause the skin that surrounds your eye to appear darker than its normal color.
When To Call The Doctor
Blurry vision in one eye or both during pregnancy is normal. It does not usually indicate signs of miscarriage or severe complications.
But if the changes in your vision are too sudden it’s probably a sign that of underlying conditions like diabetes or preeclampsia.
Inform your doctor if you experience unusual changes in your vision to ensure the safety of your baby and yourself. Other symptoms that would require you to give your doctor a visit are:
- Severe hand and face swelling.
- Recurring headache.
- Gaining weight despite a healthy diet.
- Feeling thirsty all the time.
- Urinating too often in large amounts.
As an expectant new mom, your priority will be to make sure that you deliver our baby safely. And you can only do this if you do not miss out on your prenatal appointments. If you notice symptoms that are not common during pregnancy, take note of it and discuss them with your physician on your next visit.
Caring For Your Eyes
Whether you are pregnant or not, it’s important to take your eye’s health seriously. Our eyes are one of the most important body organs that allow us to enjoy life to the fullest. here are some of the things that you can do to keep your eyesight healthy:
- Eat healthily. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Vitamin E are the best foods for the eyes.
- Exercise regularly.
- Wear anti UV eyeglasses and sunglasses.
- Avoid smoking, or better yet, quit smoking. According to studies, smoking increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome.
- Visit your eye doctor occasionally.
- Be aware of your family’s medical history.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid eye strainers like computers, television, and mobile phones.
- Clean your contact lenses properly.
- Rest your eyes every day.
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