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Eye Changes While Expecting
Don't Neglect Eyesight During Pregnancy
By Kelly Burgess
Eyesight changes can happen anytime during pregnancy, but Dr. Thau says they most commonly occur in the third trimester when the body is retaining the maximum amount of fluids. Eye changes will continue for one to two months after birth. If you're nursing, it will continue until one to two months after weaning, when the hormones stabilize.
Anytime you feel that your eyes are dry, red, irritated or just don't feel right, a trip to the eye doctor is probably not a bad idea. In particular, if any of the following symptoms are severe or chronic, make an appointment to see your optometrist:
- Red or dry eyes
- Eye pain
- Swollen lids
- Trouble removing contact lenses (this tightness is a sign of corneal changes)
- Blurred vision
It's important not to ignore these symptoms because the corneas don't have the same level of sensitivity in pregnancy and can become damaged before you realize it. Pain and irritation, Dr. Thau says, is Mother Nature's way of telling you to get it checked out.
As for eye surgery to correct vision (such as LASIK surgery or any of its variations), it's best to wait until you're done bearing children altogether. At the very least, schedule it after the eyes have returned to normal several months after pregnancy.
"All the calculations to correct vision are based upon corneal measurements and these change in pregnancy," Dr. Thau says. "It's most successful over the long-term when the eye is most stable."
Dr. Thau emphasizes that serious eye problems are rare in pregnancy, but she urges all women to be careful because the eyes are delicate and we have only one pair to last a lifetime.
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