The hormonal changes and functioning of the immune system make women more susceptible to eye infections while pregnant (1). The common infections that affect the eye during this time are either conjunctivitis or puffiness. The increased blood flow also contributes to this cause. Although these infections are not a cause for concern and will go away eventually after running their course, they might affect your eyesight temporarily. If you notice further discomfort, consult your doctor. Read on to know more about eye infections during pregnancy, their causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention techniques.
Common Eye Infections And Problems During Pregnancy
Here, we talk about the common eye infections you may get while pregnant. The doctor can diagnose the infection based on the signs and symptoms you experience.
1. Pink eye/ Conjunctivitis
It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white surface of the eye. It might make the eyes severely red and can spread quickly. This common condition is likely to go away within a week. It is primarily caused by a bacteria or virus or may develop from allergies, foreign particles, contact lenses, systemic infections, or chemicals (2).
Symptoms include
Redness in the eye Itching and burning sensation Swelling Pain or irritation Sensitivity to light Feels like there is some particle in the eye Discharge that may prevent your eye from opening when you wake up from sleep
Treatment and care
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis and antihistamine drops for allergic conjunctivitis. Keep cleaning your eyelids using a clean, wet cloth. Apply cold or warm compresses for pain relief. Use saline eye drops (also known as artificial tears) as they soothe the eye. They can also flush out any particle stuck in the eye. Never squeeze or rub your eyes. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty or unwashed hands.
2. Keratitis
It is an inflammation of the cornea, a clear layer that covers the pupil and iris. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or may develop from regular use of contact lens, humid climates, or corticosteroid eye drops (if you have been using for another eye condition) (3).
Symptoms include
Redness and swelling of the eye Pain or discomfort in the eye Abnormal discharge Sensitivity to light Blurry vision Discomfort when opening and closing the eyelids Sensation of something stuck in the eye
Treatment and care
Prescription oral medications and eye drops that could be antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral depending on the cause. The doctor may also suggest artificial tears for lubrication.
3. Uveitis
It is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that transports blood to your retina. It is most likely caused by a virus (such as herpes) and may develop from eye injuries or autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Pregnant women suffering from high blood pressure during pregnancy or after delivery (Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia) are mostly at risk of developing non-infectious uveitis too. Loss of vision could be a complication of severe uveitis (4).
Symptoms include
Pain and redness in the eye Small floaters in your vision Sensitivity to light Blurry vision
Treatment and care
Wearing dark glasses Your doctor may suggest prescription eye drops with anti-inflammatory medications Ocular anti-inflammatory injections are also prescribed in some case
Apart from the above eye infections, the many changes in pregnancy may also lead to a few eye problems, which we discuss next.
4. Dry eyes
This usually happens due to a lack of enough moisture in the eye but could also develop due to hormonal changes, which could affect the meibomian glands that line the eyelids and keep the tears oily (5). In some cases, dryness may be constant, and for some, it is likely to come and go. In this condition, the tear film that protects the eyes becomes thinner and becomes prone to frequent drying. Also, the lacrimal glands produce lesser lubricating fluid, worsening the symptoms. Dryness is further aggravated by dehydration, which may happen from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (6).
Symptoms include
Red and sore eyes Sticky eyelids Blurred vision when you blink your eyes Feeling of grit in your eyes
Treatment and care
Your doctor might prescribe over-the-counter medications, artificial tears, or ointments. Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluid intake. Create a humid atmosphere at home and work by keeping some plants or using a humidifier. Massaging the eyelids by rolling your fingertips over them could stimulate tears. Clean your eyes by dabbing the eyelids with cotton plugs soaked in lukewarm water. Restrict computer work, television, or mobile time, and get enough sleep. Applying warm compress could stimulate and open the oil glands, which prevent the moist layer from becoming dry. Punctal occlusion is performed in severe cases, where the doctor will block the tear ducts.
5. Itchy eyes (blurry eyes)
Allergies are the primary cause of itchy eyes. Water retention during pregnancy may also affect the thickness of the cornea, thereby weakening the vision (7). Cholestasis of pregnancy, where there is an obstruction of bile flow from the liver, may also have itchy eyes as one of its symptoms (8).
Treatment and care
Your doctor might prescribe over-the-counter medications such as Diphenhydramine or Chlorpheniramine (9). Limit the use of contact lenses and do not wear them during the night.
6. Puffy or swollen eyes
Along with the swelling of the face and extremities, your eyelids might also become puffy or swollen due to water retention (10). Although this is not likely to be a serious side effect, you may feel uncomfortable.
Treatment and care
Address water retention by having a healthy, low-sodium diet and improving water intake. Meditation and regular exercises could help. Get enough sleep.
Your doctor will examine the eye and may send a tissue or fluid sample for the test. Based on the observations, you may have to take medication, eye drops, or an ointment. Your doctor may also suggest some home care measures that might provide relief.
8 Tips To Follow When Having Eye Infections
Following good hygienic practices might limit your chances of exposure to other factors that may cause or aggravate different eye problems.
