Can I Have an Eye Exam if Pregnant?
Pregnancy is a joyful time but as the little baby grows, so do the doctor’s appointments. Hormonal shifts, fluid retention and increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to temporary alterations in vision which may have you scheduling an unexpected appointment with the ophthalmologist. Common changes to vision during pregnancy include blurry vision, changes in prescription, dry eyes, increased light sensitivity, vision fluctuations and migraine-related visual disturbances. Notably, hormonal changes can lead to decreased tear production, causing dry eyes and increased fluid retention may alter the shape of the cornea, leading to temporary blurry vision.
Can I have an eye exam if pregnant? Absolutely! There is nothing harmful in a comprehensive eye exam that would affect the baby. In fact, it’s always a good idea to monitor eye health during pregnancy in the event you experience any changes to vision or to uncover any underlying issues before you experience them. Eye dilation during an exam is generally safe during pregnancy, but some women may prefer to avoid it due to the temporary blurred vision it causes. If you are concerned, discuss this with your eye doctor. Some eye medications and procedures might not be recommended during pregnancy. Always inform your eye care provider that you are pregnant so they can avoid using medications or procedures that could potentially affect your pregnancy. If you have pre-existing eye conditions, such as diabetes-related eye issues, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your eye health during pregnancy. Pregnancy can exacerbate these conditions, and regular check-ups are important.
Pregnant women should consider getting an eye exam for several important reasons: monitoring of pregnancy-related changes, detecting and managing pregnancy related conditions such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, assessing your baseline eye health, addressing visual comfort, and postpartum considerations.
While many vision changes during pregnancy are temporary and harmless, some may signal a more serious issue. It’s important to consult an eye care professional if you experience severe or sudden changes in vision, persistent blurry vision that does not improve with blinking, visual disturbances such as floaters, flashes of light or dark spots, and eye pain with redness and swelling.
You can safely have an eye exam while pregnant. Just be sure to inform your eye doctor about your pregnancy so they can tailor the exam to your needs and avoid any potentially harmful medications or procedures. If you experience any significant changes in your vision, it’s important to seek medical advice to ensure both your eye health and overall well-being during pregnancy.
To schedule an appointment with Skyline Vision Clinic, call or go online to 719-630-3937 or WEBSITE.