Vision Changes During Pregnancy

by Kim Neyer | More from this Blogger

14 Jun 2010 09:13 PM

When I got pregnant, I expected to see some changes. I didn't, however, expect changes in what I could see. I was very surprised to discover that my eyes had changed. First, my contacts became too uncomfortable to wear. Then, while wearing my glasses, it felt like my prescription had changed. I learned from my optometrist that both phenomenons were directly related to my pregnancy.

The same water retention that was causing my wedding ring to get stuck on my finger and the tops of my feet to bulge out of my flats, was also causing my contact lenses to fit differently. As a result, I could constantly feel their presence on my eyes. They made my eyes itch and water, so I eventually put them away and pulled out my backup frames. I wore my frames until several weeks after delivery.

Pregnancy hormones also affected my vision, temporarily changing my prescription. I became more nearsighted. It wasn't a major change, but it was noticeable when I was driving or looking at faraway objects. Things just didn't look as clear as I was accustomed to.

Because vision changes associated with pregnancy are only temporary, it is not necessary to get a new prescription unless the changes are so severe that you cannot function. For example, if you need to wear glasses to drive and you are no longer able to read street signs with your current pair, you might want to get a new pair of glasses or contacts to wear until your vision goes back to normal. Most women do not require a new prescription. The changes are usually small. However, it is also advised that pregnant women do not have laser eye surgery since it will not be as effective if their prescription changes just months after having the surgery.

Learn more about Kim Neyer

Kim is a freelance writer, photographer and stay at home mom to her one-year-old son, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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