How Pregnancy Can Affect Retinal Health
Pregnancy triggers remarkable changes throughout the body to support a growing baby, and the eyes are no exception. While vision changes are often normal, they can sometimes signal more serious conditions. That’s why it’s important for pregnant patients to stay connected with both their obstetrician and eye care provider to safeguard their health and vision.
Pregnancy and Vision Changes
Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to vision changes. Just as a pregnant person may experience swelling in their hands and feet, the corneal tissue around the eyes can also swell due to water retention. Additionally, the amount of blood volume in the body increases during pregnancy to support the fetus. This higher blood volume can affect the retina, causing blood vessels to leak fluid and swell, which may result in blurry vision.
Certain health conditions can also cause vision changes during pregnancy. High blood pressure may cause blurry vision or spots in front of the eyes and, in severe cases, can lead to retinal detachment. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure along with significant end-organ damage, can also result in vision disturbances. Furthermore, individuals with diabetes or those who develop gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a retinal condition that can cause blurred vision, dark spots, and floaters.
How to Protect Your Vision During Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals can apply cold compresses to their eyes to alleviate swelling or use over-the-counter eye drops to relieve dryness. To minimize water retention, they should drink plenty of water and limit sodium and caffeine intake.
While most vision changes during pregnancy are minor and temporary, they can be a sign of more serious conditions like diabetes or preeclampsia. It's important to keep regular eye appointments throughout pregnancy and consult a retina specialist with any concerns.
Prioritize Your Retinal Health in Pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect retinal health, causing vision changes and sometimes indicating more significant issues. If you have any concerns about your vision during pregnancy, you should schedule an appointment with a retina specialist.
At Vitreoretinal Consultants, we’re proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Manhattan (Upper East Side), NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, New City, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
