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Mostmoms-to-beknow about swollen ankles, achy backs and exhaustion when they’re expecting — but pregnancy can also cause changes in vision.
“If a patient is retaining water, for instance, fluid may build up behind the eye or in the eyeball itself, spurring changes in the shape of the cornea,” Pierce says. “This changes the way light passes through the eye, which can impair or distort women’s vision. And women might find that their corrective lenses aren’t as effective as they were prior to their pregnancy, though these are temporary eye conditions that will pass after delivery.”
Pierce says women should also inform their optometrist of any pre-existing conditions, such as glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, so the doctor can closely monitor any changes in their eyesight.
“A good rule of thumb is no matter how minimal the variation to one’s eyesight, patients should let their eye doctor know,” Pierce says. “Pregnant women also should maintain their regularly scheduled visits for an in-person, comprehensive eye exam that can detect any potential issues that may have no obvious warning signs.”
Vision changes are also a symptom of one severe pregnancy condition that several celebrities have opened up about experiencing: preeclampsia.Beyoncérecently said that she had the condition, also known as toxemia, with her twins. Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure, severe headaches and changes in vision, and can lead to serious complications,according to Mayo Clinic.
Kim Kardashianalso suffered from it during her pregnancy with her daughter North, 5, as didReal Housewives of AtlantastarKenya Mooreduring her pregnancy with 5-month-old daughter Brooklyn.
Pierce says if a mother experiences anything they might consider abnormal, it’s best to see a doctor.
source: people.com
