Can pregnancy affect my eyes?
- By Monica Coelho
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- 10 Jan, 2023
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What to expect when you're expecting
Pigmentary Changes
- Often the skin of a pregnant woman may experience pigmentary changes that can also affect the eyelids - temporary increase in pigmentation or increasing in existing pigmentation (Conjunctival Naevus). Though this affects almost 90% of pregnant women, it is reversible and generally only requires observation during this period.
Blurred Vision
- Some pregnant women notice mild changes in their vision and often think this might be associated with a change in prescription. This happens as during pregnancy many women retain fluids, which often affects the fluid present in your eyes, affecting the shape and thickness of your cornea, therefore leading to visual distortion. Not to worry, make sure your optometrist monitors these changes and your vision should be back to normal after delivering or once your baby stops breastfeeding.
Dry Eyes
- Hormonal changes can affect the quality and structure of the tear film, leading to dry eye syndrome. This occurs because the lubricant tears present in the upper and lower eyelid margins have less oil to keep the eyes moist. The usual symptoms for dry eye include excessing tearing, intermittent blurred vision and a gritty or burning sensation, which can be treated with artificial tears and soothing warm compresses. Your Optician would be able to advise the best drops according to your symptoms.
Pre-eclampsia
- One of the things you really need to look out for during pregnancy is your blood pressure. An increase in your blood pressure can lead to pre-eclampsia which requires treatment. The symptoms to look out for in this case are blurred vision, temporary loss of vision, light sensitivity and presence of auras, flashes and/or floaters in your vision. In case you experience any of these symptoms you need to seek advice from your GP or Optometrist promptly.
Diabetes
- When you have diabetes, high levels of sugar in your blood can cause some damaging in the small vessels present in your eyes(Diabetic Retinopathy)and the chances of that happening grow as the pregnancy progresses. It is important to monitor closely the diabetes throughout your pregnancy to make sure that it doesn't affect other areas, such as your eyes. Pregnant women who never had diabetes before can experience Gestational Diabetes during the pregnancy. It is important even for these patients to keep a close look for any changes in their vision and to report them to their Optometrist.
If you are expecting and experiencing any of the symptoms above, make sure to book an appointment with your Optometrist. At Care Optics we are open as normal and taking new patients, so if you need your eyes tested or know someone who does, make sure to phone or email us and we will be more than happy to arrange that appointment for you.
Keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care
We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.
This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.
The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:
- Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
- The Judges’ Award (2024)
- Customer Service
- Charity and Community Impact
- Innovation through the Use of Digital Media
Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.
As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.
Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.
Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!
Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!
