Get Regular Eye Examination While Pregnant

Colour blindness is one of the world’s most common genetic (inherited) conditions which is naturally inherited from your parents. It is likely to get color vision deficiency if Mother or Father is color blind or carrier of color blindness.

Just because you are expecting a baby doesn’t mean you have to postpone your routine eye exam! You can hold your eyes safely dilated while you are expectant.

You can test for color blindness on this online color blind test website. They are providing doctor recommended test plates for testing color blindness.

Also if you suffer from any pre-existing eye diseases, like glaucoma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, it is very crucial to inform your eye doctor that you are pregnant. Your eye doctor may monitor closely for changes in your vision during this exciting time in your life.


Importance Of Eye Exam While Pregnant

When you are pregnant, there are a lot of doctor visits to go through. Don't forget to add an eye doctor visit to your list. Pregnancy can affect your vision and eye health in several ways, and it is important to learn what is normal and what is not.

As color blindness is a hereditary condition. Red/green color blindness is the most common. It is passed from mother to son on the 23rd chromosome, which is known as the sex chromosome because it is also responsible for determining your sex.

Chromosomes are structures that contain genes, which give instructions for the development of cells, tissues, and organs.

The same hormones that are responsible for an improved bust line and first-trimester sickness can cause a myriad of vision signs including changes in vision, dry eyes, increased eye irritation, etc. Dr. Pernelli suggests regular eye exams for all his Vineland patients, including expectant ladies.


Risk Of Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Some diseases increase your chance of vision changes during pregnancy. If you have diabetes (including gestational diabetes), high blood pressure, or glaucoma, you are more likely to experience vision transitions during your pregnancy. The same is valid in case you have taken fertility treatments.

“An estimated 1 in 6 women undergo difficulties associated with their pregnancy, including vision-related ones varying from mild discomfort to vision loss,” said Anne Docimo, M.D., chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare.

Vision changes you may encounter include:

  • Changing prescription, causing difficulty concentrating at distance or near

  • During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels can vary the strength you need in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

    Though this is usually nothing to stress about, it is a good idea to consult any vision changes with an eye doctor who can aid you decide whether or not to alter your prescription.

    The doctor may simply tell you to wait a few weeks after delivery, before changing your prescription.

  • Dry eyes

  • Some women encounter dry eyes during pregnancy. This is usually temporary and fades away after delivery. The good news is that lubrication or rewetting eye drops are perfectly secure to use while you are pregnant or nursing. They can reduce the discomfort of dry eyes.

  • Consistent or occasional blurriness

  • Do you often find yourself blinking, squinting, or rubbing your eyes to get a clear view? If you have blurry vision, you might chalk it up to age or ought new glasses. But it can be an indication of other health issues, too.

    Usually, treatment for these conditions will clear up your blurred vision. Remember, though the sudden shifts in your eyesight aren't normal. But if they happen, visit your doctor right away.

  • Sensitivity towards light

  • Pregnancy can change vision by making your eyes more sensitive toward the light, generating headaches or migraine pain. Wearing sunglasses with a mirror coating to reflect the sun's rays can help to reduce headache pain.

  • Excessive blinking or squinting

  • Blinking is beneficial for your eyes. It keeps eyes clean and makes sure they do not get too dry. The number of times you blink varies with age.

    Babies only blink about two times a minute. That number increases as they grow. Teenagers blink around 15 times a minute same as adults.

    Excessive blinking is when you blink more than usual. It may occur all the time or every once in a while.

  • Changes in night vision

  • Many pregnant women keep fluids. This is a common side effect that changes the thickness and shape of your cornea. That can direct to distorted vision. These modifications usually fade away after delivery or after you stop breastfeeding.

  • Migraines

  • If you are pregnant and suffering from migraines, you should speak to your doctor before taking any prescription or non-prescription migraine headache medicines.

    Prenatal care helps keep both you and your unborn child healthy. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are having any difficulties.

    Keep your eye doctor up-to-date regarding your overall health. Tell him/her about any pre-existing conditions, and any prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking.

  • Corneal Swelling

  • Pregnancy hormones may induce mild corneal edema, which can lead to a slight enlargement in corneal thickness. The raised thickness may cause the cornea to become irritated slightly more easily.

    Irritation and sensitivity may be more apparent in the third trimester.

  • Puffy eyelids

  • Puffiness around the eyes is another common side effect of some hormonal changes women may retain while pregnant. Puffy eyelids may hamper side vision.

    As a rule of thumb, don’t limit your water intake and stick to a moderate diet, low in sodium and caffeine. These healthy practices can help limit water retention and increase your overall comfort.

    These modifications may appear unexpectedly, worsen slowly or come on periodically.

    Depending on when during the pregnancy refractive changes takes place, and the severity of the changes, Dr. Pernelli may select to either change the prescription for contacts or eyeglasses or suggest a patient wait until delivery to make changes.


    Q&A With Eye Doctor In Monticello, Minnesota

    Why are frequent eye exams essential?

    Having your eyes examined by an optometrist regularly is essential for seeing early signs of eye diseases and modifications in your prescription, including during pregnancy.

    Many severe eye diseases don't cause visible symptoms until they've moved to late stages, when injury to vision may be irreversible.

    Whether to wear your glasses or contact lenses for vision correction or not, ask your optometrist about how frequently to plan a regular eye exam.

    Will newborns require an eye exam after birth?

    According to the American Optometric Association and the Canadian Association of Optometrists, babies should have an eye exam within the first 6-12 months of life, even in the missing of visible eye problems.

    Healthy vision is an integral part of overall health development, so be sure not to miss your baby's eye exams!