Mia Williams
An expert has shared what changes happen to your eyes during pregnancy, and how to avoid 'sight threatening' conditions.
There seems to be a never-ending list of symptoms that come with pregnancy, often quite random, but also rather irritating.
Another annoyance is when a symptom is branded as 'morning sickness', when it can actually last the entire day.
Whoever sold us the dream it only happens in the morning has got a lot to answer for.
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But it isn't just nausea, tooth pain, headaches, tiredness, breast pain, bloating, and mood changes that we experience when pregnant...
One X user shared in a viral post: "Oh cool I’ve reached the stage of pregnancy where there’s so much extra blood in my body that my eyeballs have changed shape and now my contacts don’t fit.
"Sharing this cursed knowledge with everyone because I’m just a giving person xoxo."
Now, a doctor has explained the changes your eyes can go through when pregnant.
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According to Roshni Kanabar, a Clinical Adviser at the Association of Optometrists, we experience eye-sight problems in pregnancy due to hormone changes.
He said: "Symptoms such as blurred vision can occur due to fluid retention.
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"Itchy, gritty or stinging sensations in the eyes and puffy eye lids can also occur but can easily be managed.
"It is important to see an optometrist if you are concerned about any vision changes you notice."
As well as vision changes, the actual shape of our eyes can also go through some slight adjustments.
The expert said: "Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluid retention throughout the body, including the eyes.
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"This can lead to subtle changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea and lens."
Despite these changes, he noted that in most cases, these problems do tend to revert after childbirth and breastfeeding.
Kanabar also notes that these changes shouldn't go unchecked, and that it always best to get them seen by an optometrist.
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He also said that drinking plenty of water can reduce fluid retention around the body.
While most of the changes are only present during pregnancy, there are a few cases where people need to be more 'vigilant'.
"If you experience severe blurred vision or sudden changes in vision or unusual symptoms, it could indicate a more serious condition like pre-eclampsia or high eye pressure," he added.
"It is important to consult with an optometrist if you experience any concerning symptoms."
He advised pregnant people on when they should be seeking medical attention.
The expert said: "Any symptoms or concerns with your vision, should always be discussed with an optometrist as the first port of call, as they can help to investigate and manage these changes and ensure your eyes stay healthy throughout your pregnancy and rule out any serious sight threatening conditions."