Hormonal levels change, and the load on blood vessels increases. That can have an impact on your entire system, including your eyes.
Should I see an ophthalmologist during my pregnancy?
Women who have diabetes or any type of pre-existing eye issues should visit an ophthalmologist before or soon after becoming pregnant. All other expecting moms do not necessarily have to have their eyes checked unless their gynecologist recommends it.
Contact your doctor and follow up with your ophthalmologist if you suddenly experience the following symptoms during pregnancy:
blurred vision
double vision (diplopia)
eye floaters (spots in your vision) or flashes
partial loss of vision or blind spots
sensitivity to light [1]
These can be symptoms of complications (such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes) that could affect your health or that of your unborn baby.
What exactly does an ophthalmologist look for?
Your eye doctor will check your visual sharpness and eye pressure and conduct an ophthalmoscopy, which involves dilating your pupils to examine the inner surface of the eyeball. The drops the doctor will use to dilate your pupils are perfectly safe for pregnant women. They will check if there are areas with impaired tissue or thinning (dystrophy) of the retina. These pathologies can present in anyone at any age and are often asymptomatic; however, some may require observation or treatment.
If my vision gets worse during pregnancy, will it be permanent?
Changes in vision during pregnancy are often due to a swelling of the cornea and sometimes the lens, caused by hormonal changes. In most cases, vision will return to normal after childbirth or when breastfeeding ends [1, 2].
I have high myopia. Will I be able to give birth vaginally?
If your retinas are healthy, myopia does not rule out vaginal childbirth [3]. But, to remove possible doubts and fears, you can have an opthalmological revision about a month before your due date.
