High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the small blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye. The risk of damage goes up during pregnancy. A temporary form of diabetes that sometimes occurs during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes, can also cause blurred vision.
What to do:
If you have diabetes, your condition should be closely monitored during
pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes, your condition should be monitored to keep your blood sugar levels from climbing too high. Your doctor will help advise you.
Preeclampsia and Vision Problems
Vision changes
can be a sign of preeclampsia, a potentially serious problem that
occurs in 5% to 8% of pregnancies. Preeclampsia is marked by high blood
pressure and signs of damage to another organ. Vision changes typically
include temporary loss of vision, light sensitivity, blurry vision, auras, and the appearance of flashing lights. 
What to do: If you experience any of these vision symptoms, call your doctor
immediately or go to the emergency room. Preeclampsia can progress
rapidly and cause bleeding problems and other serious complications.
Blurry Vision
During Pregnancy?
Fluid retention, a common side effect of pregnancy, can change the thickness
and shape of the cornea. Minor changes in its shape may result in blurry or
distorted vision. Fortunately, these changes usually go away after pregnancy or
after you stop breast feeding.
What to do: You may not need to do anything if the changes don't bother you.
If your vision alters significantly, however, talk to your doctor. You may need
to change your prescription if you wear glasses. Most
eye experts advise against getting lasik surgery or being fitted for new contacts during pregnancy. The reason: the shape of your cornea
will revert to normal after your pregnancy is over.
During pregnancy, women may notice that their eyes are drier than usual. Dry eyes can make wearing contacts irritating and uncomfortable.
What to do:
Use artificial tears to lubricate the eyes and ease dryness. If the
expecting mother wear contacts, then be sure to check the label to make
sure the lubricant can be used with contacts. Ordinary artificial tears
have preservatives that can harm soft contact lenses. Also, check with
the doctor first to make sure the active ingredients are safe for pregnant women.
This week we will be discussing over eye care during
pregnancy for all the expecting mothers. Most expecting mothers know that they may have morning sickness or lower
back pain. But many pregnant women are surprised when their vision
changes. The fact is hormonal and physical changes that accompany
pregnancy can affect eyesight. Fortunately, vision problems are usually
minor and temporary. Eyesight typically returns to normal after your
baby is born.
