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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – SAN DIEGO, CALIF (April 5, 2017) – For many women, pregnancy can cause temporary changes in vision, including dry eyes and near-sightedness. A pregnancy-related condition known as pre-eclampsia can result in more significant eye changes. Now a new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that pre-eclampsia may have a long-term impact on a mother’s vision later in life. But eye experts don’t necessarily agree.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has concerns about the way the study’s research was conducted and its conclusions. At the moment, the AAO is not recommending any changes to eye healthcare for pregnant women or follow-up care for those who had pre-eclampsia in the past.
“Pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and large amounts of protein in the urine. It can be a scary condition for moms-to-be, because the exact cause isn’t known and the only way to cure it is to deliver the baby,” explains Sandy Feldman MD, Medical Director of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center in San Diego and one of the nation’s top ophthalmologists. “Post-delivery, symptoms disappear typically within one to six weeks.”
In addition to high blood pressure and high levels of protein, women with this condition often have swelling in the feet, legs and hands. This condition usually appears late in pregnancy, generally after the 20-week mark.
“The best way to protect yourself is to learn the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and to see your doctor for regular prenatal care. Pre-eclampsia is easier to manage when it’s caught early, so every pregnant woman should have her blood pressure checked,” advises Dr. Feldman.
Pre-eclampsia occurs in 3 to 5 percent of pregnant women, most often in first-time pregnancies, in pregnant teens and in women over 40. Typical symptoms include rapid weight gain (caused by a significant increase in bodily fluid), abdominal pain, severe headaches, reduced urine or no urine output, dizziness and/or excessive vomiting and nausea.
Another common symptom—changes in vision. The AAO recommends that expectant mothers or those with a history of pre-eclampsia should be aware of changes in their vision and contact their doctor if they have concerns. Dr. Feldman offers a list of changes that all pregnant women should be aware of:
- blurred vision
- spots in vision or areas that are black or gray
- flashes of light
- loss of color vision
- loss of central or side vision
- curtain or shadow over vision
- complete loss of vision
“It’s possible to have pre-eclampsia and have no symptoms whatsoever. That’s why it’s so important to see your doctor for regular blood pressure checks and urine tests,” says Dr. Feldman.
Dr. Feldman also recommends that all women get a baseline eye exam by age 40. Women with diabetes should be examined yearly for retinal and other eye diseases, regardless of age.
About Sandy T. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman MD is the Medical Director of Clearview Eye & Laser Medical Center in San Diego and has successfully performed more than 20,000 refractive procedures. Her many honors and awards include “Best Laser Eye Center” in the 2016 San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers’ Poll, “Top Doc San Diego” and the Goldline Award, an honor granted to only 10 laser eye care providers in the U.S. each year. She has been profiled in Forbes, Newsweek and other respected publications, and makes regular appearances as an expert resource for media outlets such as The Doctors, e-Heath Radio and various San Diego TV network affiliates. Dr. Feldman is a fellow of the American and European College of Ophthalmic Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. For more information, please visit clearvieweyes.com.
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