Monthly Archives: August

6 Surprising Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings about many changes in a woman’s body. One of the less-discussed yet significant changes that can occur during pregnancy is in a woman’s vision. Fluctuations in hormones, increased blood flow, and changes in fluid retention can all contribute to changes in vision. Here are a few changes to watch out for, along with helpful ways to manage them effectively.

Possible Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Blurry Vision: Many pregnant women report experiencing blurry vision, especially during the second and third trimesters. This can be attributed to hormonal changes affecting the shape of the cornea and the eye’s ability to focus properly.

Dry Eyes: Hormonal shifts can lead to reduced tear production, causing dry and irritated eyes. This condition can be uncomfortable and may result in temporary vision disturbances.

Increased Sensitivity to Light: Some pregnant women become more sensitive to bright lights, like sunlight or fluorescent lighting in office buildings, which can cause discomfort.

Changes in Prescription: Pregnant women who wear glasses or contact lenses might notice changes in their prescription. These changes are usually temporary and might revert to normal after pregnancy.

Puffy Eyelids: Puffiness around the eyes can be a common occurrence during pregnancy, and can be caused by water retention or hormone changes.

Flashing Light, Floaters or Spots: These symptoms might be a simple result of dehydration, or they can also be a sign of a dangerous condition known as pre-eclampsia when accompanied by other conditions such as high blood pressure or headaches. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these.

Why Do These Changes Occur?

Hormones play a crucial role in many common vision changes. The elevated levels of hormones during pregnancy, like estrogen and progesterone, influence the body’s fluid retention, affecting the eyes’ refractive properties. Additionally, changes in blood circulation can impact the pressure within the eyes, leading to shifts in vision. Other, more serious conditions can also be the cause of vision changes. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention, take the proper precautions and notify your doctor of any changes right away.

Managing Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about changing hormones during a pregnancy, which are a major contributor to vision changes. However, there are some other ways to lessen the likelihood of these changes becoming too disruptive to daily life:

Regular Eye Exams: It’s essential for pregnant women to schedule regular eye exams with their optometrist. Monitoring vision changes and adjusting prescriptions, if necessary, can help ensure optimal eye health throughout a pregnancy.

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can alleviate dry eyes and promote overall eye comfort. Adequate hydration supports tear production and reduces eye irritation.

Proper Lighting: Being mindful of lighting conditions is important, especially if you’re experiencing light sensitivity. Dimming harsh lights or wearing sunglasses when outdoors can ease discomfort.

Rest and Breaks: If you find yourself working on screens for extended periods, take regular breaks to rest your eyes. The 20-20-20 rule – looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes – can help reduce eye strain.

Cold Compress: Many women find relief from swelling or puffiness around the eyes by placing a cold compress over closed eyes.

Pay Attention to Salt Intake: High sodium levels can cause water retention and increased swelling, which can contribute to those puffy eyelids.

Maintain Blood Sugar Levels: If you have gestational diabetes, closely monitoring and managing your blood sugar levels can help mitigate potential vision changes associated with this condition.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can worsen dryness and irritation. Instead, use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes when needed.

Family Vision Development Center is Dedicated to your Eye Health

Vision changes during pregnancy can be unsettling, but they are typically temporary and often resolve after childbirth. Maintaining regular eye care, staying hydrated, and adopting healthy habits can go a long way in managing the vision changes that can occur during pregnancy. Remember, if you notice any severe or persistent vision disturbances, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider or visit us for a vision exam to rule out any underlying or serious issues.  Contact us at 630-862-2020 to schedule an appointment or for any additional information during this exciting time.

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.

The Impact of Post-Concussion Syndrome: Prioritize Vision Treatment

Every year, millions of people worldwide experience concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can have a lasting impact on their lives. While the initial symptoms of a concussion are well-known, what many may not realize is that some individuals develop a condition called post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Among the various symptoms associated with PCS, vision-related issues are particularly prevalent and can significantly affect a person’s daily activities and overall well-being. Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of promptly addressing vision concerns following a concussion.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome

Post-concussion syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years after a concussion. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making PCS a complex and often misunderstood condition. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. However, visual problems are also a significant aspect of PCS that should not be overlooked.

The Importance of Vision and Its Impairment

Vision is a fundamental sensory system that allows us to perceive and navigate the world around us. It plays a crucial role in our ability to maintain balance, process information, and engage in everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and socializing. When vision is impaired, even simple activities can become challenging and overwhelming.

Post-concussion vision problems can include blurred or double vision, light sensitivity (photophobia), difficulty with eye coordination and tracking, problems with depth perception, and visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights or floaters. These visual disturbances can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and can affect their ability to return to work, school, or other daily routines.

The Importance of Prompt Treatment

Prompt treatment of post-concussion vision concerns is crucial for several reasons:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: Seeking medical attention quickly allows healthcare professionals, including your properly-trained optometrist, to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the specific vision issues and their underlying causes. This allows for a tailored treatment plan, maximizing the chances of a successful recovery.

2. Rehabilitation and Recovery: Vision therapy and rehabilitation programs can help address the visual deficits associated with PCS. These programs typically include exercises and activities designed to improve eye coordination, visual tracking, and perceptual skills. The earlier these interventions are initiated, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

3. Preventing Secondary Complications: Unaddressed vision problems can lead to secondary complications such as chronic headaches, balance issues, and decreased cognitive function. By treating vision concerns promptly, it is possible to minimize the risk of these secondary complications and improve overall recovery.

Post-Concussion Visual Rehabilitation at Family Vision Development Center

The team at Family Vision Development Center has advanced training in neuro-optometric rehabilitation to restore proper visual function following a concussion. This allows us to properly evaluate a patient who exhibits signs of post-concussion vision problems, and prepare an individualized treatment plan using the most current and effective equipment and methods. If you have experienced any kind of head trauma and are concerned about lasting symptoms, contact us at 630-862-2020 for a full evaluation as soon as possible.

Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.  We are dedicated to keeping our patients comfortable and well-informed and we will explain every exam and procedure and answer all of your questions.  We accept both scheduled and emergency appointments, and offer convenient financing and insurance options to ensure that high-quality vision care is available and affordable to all of our patients.