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Reston   (703) 485-2148 Leesburg   (703) 777-1244
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How to Maintain Healthy Eyesight Throughout Your Pregnancy

healthy pregnant visionWhen it comes to your future bundle of joy, you’re dedicated to ensuring that your pregnancy is as healthy as possible.  You eat right, you get a healthy amount of gentle exercise, and you ensure that your life is as stress-free as possible.  But have you ever stopped to think that you should be giving a similar amount of attention to your ocular health, as it could be drastically affected by your pregnancy?

There’s no denying that pregnancy can wreak havoc on the body; however, many women fail to realize that their ocular health is just as vulnerable to the fluctuating hormones of pregnancy.  That’s why it’s critical to women to maintain healthy eyesight throughout pregnancy, as this can help ensure that your vision is perfect so you can lovingly gaze at your son or daughter.

The Eye Condition Pregnant Women Are Vulnerable To

Hormone fluctuations can cause eyes to change during a pregnancy, as this can influence fluid retention, increase blood volume and cause other physical shifts that may impact your ocular health.  One of the most common conditions that pregnant women should look out for is known as dry eye, which is often caused by hormonal shifts.  Dry eye can be a frustrating condition, as its symptoms can include the following:

  • Stingy, burning sensations in the eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Mucus in or around the eye area
  • Eye irritation and redness
  • Fatigue of the eye
  • Sensitivity to lights
  • Trouble wearing contacts
  • A feeling that something is in your eye
  • Excessive tearing
  • Blurred vision that gets worse at the end of the day

If you have any of these dry eye symptoms, it’s recommended that you speak to your ophthalmologist before purchasing eye drops, as some might not be ideal for pregnant women to use.  You may also want to consider switching your contact lenses for glasses, as contacts can exacerbate any dry eye symptoms.  Finally, eating more flax seeds and walnuts can help naturally relieve dry eye symptoms.

If your vision is blurry even with contacts or glasses, it’s critical to contact your doctor.  This could be a sign that you’re suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, which can harm the development of your baby.

Relieve Your Dry Eye Symptoms

To relieve your dry eye symptoms – all while ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy – visit Dr. Jacqueline Griffiths and her team at NewView Eye Center in Reston, VA, serving patients throughout Northern Virginia, Fairfax County, and Washington, D.C.  To learn more fill out the form on your right or call (703) 834-9777.