5 Most Common Reasons For Vision Changes After Pregnancy

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Most women would agree that there are numerous transformations in one’s body after delivering a baby. Vision changes after pregnancy could also be added to this list. Due to a myriad of bodily changes a woman experiences during and after pregnancy, some physical changes occurring in the internal systems could lead to changes in the vision of a new mother. In addition, there may be a little discomfort for women who face vision dizziness, which may impact their usual routines. Keep reading this post as we tell you about some possible reasons, signs, and management of vision abnormalities in women post-delivery (1).

Causes Of Vision Changes After Pregnancy

Due to the hormonal changes in the internal system, the mother may experience problems of blurry vision or dizziness. Some of the effective causes of the vision change may include:

1. Blurred vision

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After childbirth, the fluid retention capacity of the eye ducts are extremely hampered. As a result, the cornea cannot sustain its normal shape, and the vision may get blurred or highly distorted.

2. Preeclampsia

Women suffering from high blood pressure issues may encounter preeclampsia. In such cases, the mother may suffer from vision problems, including light sensitivity or blurry vision and retinal detachment. It is highly recommended to consult your gynecologist and take the requisite medications for effective treatment.

Quick fact

Visual disturbance due to pre-eclampsia is common, but complete vision loss is rare, with an incidence of one to three percent (6).

Rarely increased blood pressure can damage the part of the brain (occipital cortex), which is responsible for vision, and this is called cortical blindness.”

3. Gestational diabetes

The percentage of blood sugar level may fluctuate during and after the pregnancy phase. Overt diabetesⁱXWhen women without diabetes exhibit elevated blood sugar content and meet all the criteria for diabetes in the first antenatal visit (preexisting diabetes) is more dangerous than gestational diabetesⁱXA temporary condition in which a woman is diagnosed with diabetes for the first time during pregnancy mellitus for eye health.. Such changes of blood sugar level may harshly damage the small blood vessels attached to the eye retina. Thus, a temporary form of diabetes known as gestational diabetes occurs in this phase of gestation, and this can often hamper the eyesight, and the mother may suffer from blurry vision (2). Pregnancy induced diabetes may also increase the risk for dry eye syndrome.

Dr. Adyanthaya adds, “Pregnancy can worsen diabetic retinopathy, wherein there is leakage of blood from the retinal blood vessels due to diabetes. This can cause significant vision loss if not treated promptly.”

4. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)

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Sometimes women do stress out in their pregnancy phase and suffer from the problems of gestational hypertension after their childbirth. It can often lead to abnormal vision changes (3).

5. Pituitary adenoma

Mothers rarely encounter the problem of Pituitary adenoma. But in some rare cases, a tumor growth occurs in the pituitary gland of the women’s body. They inhibit the normal functioning of the hormonal secretion within the body, which can further lead to vision problems after pregnancy.

Experts say

According to the European Society of Endocrinology, “Some pituitary adenomas also enlarge during pregnancy, and there is a risk of visual impairment, especially in women with macroadenomas or tumors near the optic chiasm (7).” The chiasm is a part of the brain where optic nerves cross.

Symptoms of Vision Changes After Pregnancy

Some of the common symptoms of postpartum eye problems, normally experienced may include:

1. Dizziness
2. Double vision
3. Light sensitivity
4. Eye strain and headaches or migraines
5. Intermittent blur
6. Appearance of flashing lights
7. Temporary loss of vision

Treatment Of Vision Problems Experienced After Pregnancy

Vision changes encountered after the childbirth usually persists for six-eight months. During the pregnancy phase, contact lens users are often recommended to switch to normal glasses for their pregnancy phase. Some of the treatment or curative measures to cure vision problems after pregnancy may include:

1. Treatment of dry eyes

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The problem of dry eyes can simply treated by utilizing the saline solution, which is normally used by the contact lens users. You can also contact an experienced ophthalmologist, who can prescribe effective eye drops or artificial tears to cure the vision problems (8).

2. Treatment Of Blurred Vision

If the condition of blurred vision persists for more than ten months after the childbirth, you can consult the ophthalmologist. He can further recommend LASIK laser eye surgery or new contact lenses for your eyes.

Quick tip

You can manage blurred vision caused by eye puffiness by applying cold compresses. Splash cold water over the face, stay hydrated, and limit sodium and caffeine intake.

3. Treatment Of Preeclampsia

Problems of preeclampsia can be effectively treated by taking prescribed medications like oral antihypertensive (nicardia, labetalol) and timely delivery.

4. Treatment of gestational diabetes

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By regular exercising and eating a well-balanced diet (medical nutrition therapy), gestational diabetes can be effectively treated.

All these effective treatments and prescribed medications can help mothers to get rid of their vision problems after pregnancy.

Infographic: Causes Of Vision Changes After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, several changes happen inside your body. Some might lead to problems visible after the baby’s birth, one of them being the onset of vision changes. So, what are the common causes that lead to this condition? In the following infographic, you will find the answer to that question. Read on!

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Subhashis Samajder MS, DNB

Dr. Subhashis Samajder, a consultant gynecologist-obstetrician with nine years of experience, is currently practicing at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Howrah. His area of expertise includes abortion, colposcopy surgery, hysterectomy, hysteroscopy, infertility treatment, and menopausal problems. Dr. Samajder believes in sending his patients back home healthy and satisfied with the treatment. He also takes up women’s health awareness through his YT videos.more

shreeja pillaiMSc

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Her interest in the field of medical research has developed her passion for writing research-based articles. As a writer of more than two years experience, she aims...more

• Dr. Rohit AdyanthayaM.D

  Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya is a board-certified ophthalmologist and practices at Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Retina fellowship from Valley Retina Institute, Texas, an additional fellowship from Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins University), Baltimore, and an Opthalmology residency from the State University of New York. He specializes in diabetic eye care, retina, and urgents, and has more than 21 years of experience.
  
  Dr. Rohit Adyanthaya is a board-certified ophthalmologist and practices at Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Retina fellowship from Valley Retina Institute, Texas, an additional fellowship from Wilmer Eye Institute (Johns Hopkins University), Baltimore, and an Opthalmology residency from the State University of New York. He specializes in diabetic eye care, retina, and urgents, and has more than 21 years of experience.