To ensure the health of your eyes during pregnancy, it is advisable to arrange for regular eye examinations, utilize sunglasses and protective eyewear, and exercise caution when using contact lenses. Additionally, managing dry eyes is crucial; this can be achieved by maintaining proper hydration and employing artificial tears if your physician suggests it, along with taking breaks from screens to alleviate eye strain. Should you notice any abrupt or significant changes in your vision, it is imperative to consult an eye care professional without delay, as these symptoms may indicate more serious issues such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
General eye care tips
• Regularly consult an eye specialist: Undergo thorough dilated eye examinations to track any changes, particularly if you have existing conditions.
• Safeguard your eyes from sunlight: Utilize sunglasses when outside, as pregnancy may increase your eyes’ sensitivity to light.
• Exercise caution with contact lenses: Ensure they are clean, replace them as recommended by your eye care professional, and recognize that hormonal fluctuations can lead to drier eyes, which may complicate contact lens usage.
• Maintain proper hygiene: Frequently wash your hands to avert infections such as conjunctivitis.
• Consume a well-rounded diet: Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc, including leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fatty fish, to promote eye health.
• Regulate blood sugar levels: Manage gestational diabetes through dietary choices, physical activity, and medical guidance to avoid vision complications.
Managing common pregnancy-related issues
• Dry eyes: Ensure you maintain proper hydration and utilize lubricating eye drops as advised by your eye care professional. Additionally, employing a humidifier in your residence may provide further assistance.
• Eye strain: Adhere to the 20-20-20 guideline: every 20 minutes, direct your gaze at an object 20 feet away for a duration of 20 seconds to alleviate eye fatigue.
• Migraines: Should you experience visual disturbances, such as flickering lights or blind spots, inform your eye doctor to exclude other potential underlying issues.
When to see an eye doctor immediately
• Abrupt or significant loss of vision
• Ongoing blurred vision
• Perception of spots, flashes, or halos
• Intense sensitivity to light
• Discomfort or pressure in the eyes
These symptoms may suggest more serious conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, and should be assessed by a healthcare professional immediately.
