2.10.2024
Up to 10% of pregnant women experience vision impairment due to hormonal changes. This may cause temporary refractive errors, such as myopia or hyperopia. Vision usually returns to normal on its own after childbirth or after breastfeeding has stopped.
How do hormonal changes affect vision?
During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur that can affect vision in a variety of ways. Fluid retention in the body due to increased hormone production can cause swelling of the cornea or lens. This can cause blurred vision or a change in dioptric defects. Some women may experience dry eye syndrome, which causes a burning sensation, blurred vision and redness of the eyes. This problem can be addressed with over-the-counter artificial tears.
Is it safe to have eye surgery during pregnancy?
Undergoing eye surgery during pregnancy or breastfeeding is generally not recommended. This is because of the risk of fluctuating refractive values. The procedure itself is not dangerous, but the medications taken during recovery could pose a risk to the fetus or baby while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is better to plan the surgery for after breastfeeding has stopped, when hormone levels have stabilized and dioptric values have returned to normal. “However, women who are just planning a pregnancy need not worry about surgery. Pregnancy and delivery do not pose significant risks for women who have already undergone laser eye surgery. Changes in diopters caused by pregnancy and childbirth are not common,” said Pavel Stodůlka.
What should I do if my eyesight deteriorates during pregnancy?
If you notice your vision deteriorating during pregnancy, it is important to consult your eye doctor about your problems. In some cases, worsening vision can signal a more serious problem than just a temporary dioptric defect. Patients with higher myopia (more than three diopters) should have an eye exam to prevent possible retinal complications.
What are the long-term prospects for vision after pregnancy?
For most women, vision returns to normal after giving birth or after stopping breastfeeding. However, if vision worsens significantly during pregnancy and does not improve after delivery, laser vision correction could be an option.
