August is National Breastfeeding Month in the United States. The observance was established by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee in 2011 to support breastfeeding and human-milk feeding families.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can affect vision and eye comfort. Many changes are temporary, but certain symptoms can indicate a medical condition requiring prompt evaluation. Patients in Roswell, Cumming, North Fulton County, and Forsyth County should inform their eye doctor if they are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are breastfeeding.
How Pregnancy Can Affect the Eyes
Blurred Vision and Prescription Changes
Hormonal changes and fluid retention during pregnancy can alter the thickness and curvature of the cornea. These changes may temporarily affect the way light enters the eye, resulting in blurred vision or a change in a glasses or contact-lens prescription.
Because vision can fluctuate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, permanent prescription changes may be postponed until vision becomes stable. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also advises against LASIK during pregnancy or breastfeeding because vision may not be stable during these periods.
Dry Eye
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can affect tear production and cause dry eye symptoms. These may include:
- Burning or stinging
- A gritty sensation
- Intermittent blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Contact-lens discomfort
Not every artificial tear or eye medication is appropriate for every patient. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss eye drops with their ophthalmologist, obstetric clinician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
Contact-Lens Discomfort
Changes in corneal shape, tear production, and fluid retention can make contact lenses less comfortable during pregnancy. A patient may need to reduce contact-lens wear temporarily or use glasses more often. Persistent pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or reduced vision should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Preeclampsia and Vision Changes
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and signs of organ dysfunction. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy but can also occur after delivery.
Visual symptoms associated with preeclampsia can include:
- Blurred vision
- Flashing lights
- Spots or missing areas in the visual field
- Double vision
- Changes in color perception
- Temporary loss of vision
New vision changes during pregnancy or after delivery—especially when accompanied by a severe headache, elevated blood pressure, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or sudden swelling—require immediate medical evaluation. Eye symptoms associated with preeclampsia may reflect changes in the retina, optic nerve, or brain.
Diabetes, Pregnancy, and the Retina
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels in the retina. Pregnancy can cause existing diabetic retinopathy to develop or worsen more rapidly in people who had diabetes before becoming pregnant.
The National Eye Institute recommends that pregnant patients with diabetes receive a comprehensive dilated eye examination as soon as possible. Additional examinations may be necessary during pregnancy based on the examination findings and the ophthalmologist’s recommendations.
Diabetic retinopathy may not produce symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- New floaters
- Dark or empty areas in the visual field
- Reduced vision
Patients with preexisting diabetes should coordinate their care among their obstetric clinician, diabetes clinician, and ophthalmologist.
Other Eye Conditions During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect the course or management of existing eye diseases. Patients with glaucoma, retinal disease, inflammatory eye disease, or a history of blood clots should tell their eye doctor about a pregnancy as early as possible.
Eye pressure often decreases during pregnancy, but individual responses vary. Patients should not stop glaucoma drops or other prescribed eye medications without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding and Eye Medications
Some medications applied to the eye can enter the bloodstream in small amounts, and medication safety differs by drug. Breastfeeding patients should give their ophthalmologist a complete list of prescription medications, nonprescription products, supplements, and eye drops.
For certain eye drops, gently closing the eye and pressing over the tear duct at the inner corner of the eye for at least one minute can reduce drainage into the nose and systemic absorption. Whether this technique is appropriate should be discussed with the prescribing clinician.
Patients should not begin, discontinue, or replace a prescribed eye medication solely because they are breastfeeding. The risks of an untreated eye condition must be considered along with the medication’s potential risks.
When to Seek Prompt Eye Care
Contact an eye doctor promptly for:
- Sudden or significant vision loss
- New flashes or a sudden increase in floaters
- A curtain or shadow in the visual field
- Severe eye pain
- Significant light sensitivity
- Persistent double vision
- Eye redness with reduced vision
- New visual symptoms during pregnancy or after delivery
Vision changes accompanied by symptoms of possible preeclampsia require immediate medical assessment.
Eye Care in Roswell and Cumming, Georgia
North Fulton Eye Center and Cumming Eye Clinic provide ophthalmology and comprehensive eye care for patients in Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, North Fulton County, Forsyth County, and surrounding North Georgia communities.
North Fulton Eye Center Providers
- Susanne Hewitt, MD
- Hannah Park, MD
- Lauren Snellings, MD
To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist in Roswell, GA, or Cumming, GA, call North Fulton Eye Center at (770) 475-0123.