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Eyesight and Pregnancy
Eyesight and Pregnancy
Eyesight and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very important period in every woman's life. During these nine months, her body
undergoes a plethora of changes which result in the occasional creation of various problems related to
the normal function of individual systems of her organism. Among those changes, there is a chance for
her eyesight to be affected, a fact that compels us to systematically monitor the pregnant woman.
A possible complication of the hormonal changes during pregnancy is the appearance of myopia or the
aggravation of already existent myopia. It is also possible to see a transient change in the adjustment of
focus. These problems are usually not permanent and eyesight is restored to its natural state after labor.
If we consider that changes in eyesight may indicate other health problems, an ophthalmological
examination during pregnancy is a reasonable and necessary procedure. Most future mothers, however,
do not include it in the prenatal examinations, usually due to the myth that they are not allowed to use eye
drops that dilate the pupil. An examination with pupil dilation is not only a safe procedure, but in some
cases it is the best preventive action.
Refractive surgeries
Refractive surgeries (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism correction with laser) should be avoided during
pregnancy and lactation. The main reason is changes in the cornea, due to hormonal changes, which
renders the results impossible to predict. After lactation, when the cornea returns to its natural state, the
lacrimal layer is restored, along with any other ophthalmological problem may have appeared, then such
a procedure can be scheduled. In case there has been a surgery before pregnancy, there is no risk for
the pregnant woman to have natural labor, since all changes, as in the previous case, subside after
lactation.