During pregnancy, your body goes through both physical as well as emotional changes. And among those many changes going within your body, blurry vision is also one of the most common one. This usually affects the mother around 20 weeks into pregnancy. However, there is nothing to worry about and it usually gets normal post-pregnancy. But in case it persists, you must contact your doctor.
Blurred vision during pregnancy basically makes the images less sharp and this occurs when the woman experiences a deterioration in her capability to see. There is no fixed time as to when it occurs. It can occur at any time during pregnancy or even weeks before you know that you are pregnant. Not only this but sometimes, it may also be accompanied by infection, itchiness or some other problem.
A Guide for Blurred Vision During Pregnancy
When Does Blurry Vision Begin During Pregnancy?
As specified above, there is no specific time as to when it can affect the pregnant woman. However, in most of the cases, the problem has begun to affect the woman halfway through the pregnancy. Also, there are chances that it may get worsen, which is when you may also have an itchy feeling around your eyes. The problem usually progresses up to the day of delivery but it gets better after that.
Signs and Symptoms of Blurred Vision
Listed below are a few symptoms of blurred vision during pregnancy:
- Eye irritation
- Floaters
- Changes in vision
- Double vision
- Dryness in the eyes
- Spots
- Discomfort
Causes of Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
Some of the reasons that may be responsible for causing blurry vision in pregnant women are as given below:
Eye Pressure
Just like the build-up fluid in the ankles and feet, it can develop into the eyes too. this can further cause an increase in eye pressure at this time. This affects the curvature of the eye and your vision thus starts to get a little blurred.
Poor Peripheral Vision
A reduction in peripheral vision is pretty common during pregnancy.
Reduced Tear Production
A lot of hormones are released into the bloodstream of the mother during pregnancy. The hormones lead to a reduction of tear production, which results to dryness in the eyes, irritation and discomfort during pregnancy.
Coloured Eyelids
A type of pigmentation called melasma builds up around the eye during pregnancy. This further leads to itchiness at the time.
Immune System
Each and every body part of yours works extremely hard in order to protect the growing embryo and this results in a lowered immune system for the mother. Due to this, the mother becomes increasingly susceptible to pink eye and similar infections.
Treatment for Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
Blurred vision during pregnancy is actually more common than you think. So, your doctor is unlikely to treat your eyes until after you give birth. Although rare but in case, the problem persists even after two months post-delivery, you may be recommended surgery after extensive diagnosis.
Tips to Cope with Blurry Vision During Pregnancy
We have listed a few tips that you can follow in order to improve your condition:
- Lubricating eye drops can make you feel less itchy and irritated and will also improve the dryness in your eyes. Make sure that the drops are pregnancy safe by consulting your doctor.
- Do not hurry in buying new medicine or glasses because that is generally not needed. Your eyes will get back to normal after you have given birth.
- You also do not have to rush into surgery. In any case, your doctor will not allow you to have one around six months before pregnancy and at least six months after you stop breastfeeding.
- Give your eyes some rest. Do not strain them in any way during pregnancy.
How to Prevent Blurred Vision During Pregnancy?
Well, there are not really any methods so as to prevent this, in any case, you will have to cope with this. All you can do is follow the above listed tips that can help to make the condition better.
Blurred vision will be normal within six weeks of the delivery in most cases. In case, you continue to face issues even after that, consult a doctor and seek immediate medical help.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor as soon as you get a blurred vision. You will be recommended to check your blood pressure and sugar levels. In case, you also experience abdominal pain, headaches, swelling, rapid weight gain, tell you doctor immediately as that may be a sign of preeclampsia.
Reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3729391/
https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/treating-visual-loss-during-pregnancy
