PREGNANCY and EYE
PREGNANCY and EYE During pregnancy, progressive physiological changes that occur are essential to support and protect the developing fetus in addition to prepare the mother for parturition. These changes can lead to few ocular complications. In general, the ocular effect of pregnancy can be divided in to physiologic and pathologic changes. The pathologic changes are further divided in to the following: Ocular changes occurring for the first time during pregnancy An already existing ocular pathology that is modified by pregnancy Ocular complications of systemic diseases. Physiologic Changes Eyelids Increased pigmentations around the eye called as melasma or chloasma Postulated that hormonal variations of pregnancy increase melanin as a result of an increase in both melanogenesis and melanocytosis Tear Pregnancy affects the physiology of the tear film resulting in dry eye syndrome. Cornea Cornea may show changes in sensitivity, thickness or curvature.