Pregnancy and Floaters

Together with many other bodily changes, pregnancy can affect the eyes and quality of vision. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are normally responsible for these changes. In most instances these changes are temporary, but occasionally they may indicate more serious conditions. Any concerns over vision problems or eye related changes during pregnancy should trigger consultations with the obstetrician and ophthalmic experts.

Due to hormonal changes pregnant women may experience anything from blurred vision and dry eyes, to irritation, especially for contact lens wearers. Diabetes sufferers may also be prone to the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy.

Pregnant women complaining of seeing spots in vision should be taken very seriously, because these dark spots may be scotomata. These are stable and typically affect a larger area of the field vision, unlike floaters, which move across the field of vision and are quite normal, whether pregnant or not. Scotomata can be an indication of preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are pregnancy complications that can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Although unusual visual problems may arise, in most cases, eye damage is limited and normal vision will return on resolution of the high blood pressure.

Clearly, the best course of action is to seek professional help as soon as any eye problems become noticeable.

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Eye Cataracts

An eye cataract is the clouding over of the natural lens of the eye, and is the most frequent cause of sight loss in those over the age of 40 and the primary reason for blindness throughout the world.

There are different types of eye cataracts, including:

Subcapsular Cataract

This occurs at the back of the lens, with those people suffering from diabetes or those taking high steroid medication doses at higher risk.

Nuclear Cataract

This type forms at the centre, or nucleus of the lens, and is normally linked to ageing.

Cortical Cataract

Typically white, these usually start at the edge of the lens and work their way into the centre, giving a spoke-like appearance. This type usually occurs in the area of the lens that surrounds the nucleus, which is called the lens cortex.

Eye Cataract Symptoms

At first, a cataract may have very little effect on vision, but a first sign could be a blurring of vision, similar to looking through cloudy glass. Sunlight or lamplight may seem to be excessively bright, colour may be duller, and when night driving, the glare from oncoming headlights may be increased.

If eye cataracts are suspected, an eye examination should be undertaken for confirmation. Other than ageing, there are other risk factors for the development of eye cataracts including:

-Diabetes

-Obesity

-Smoking

-Hypertension

-Alcohol consumption

-Prolonged steroid medication use

-Family history

This list is by no means complete, but what is clear is that lifestyle changes can be of great benefit for many eye problems, ranging from eye floaters to eye cataracts.

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How To Relieve Computer Eye Strain

With the upsurge in computer, mobile phone and tablet use, eye strain has become a major social and job-related problem. Various studies have proven that up to 90% of those involved in computer related work have suffered from some form of eye strain or visual issue.

The following are some ideas that can be taken to reduce the chances of computer eye strain.

1. Comprehensive eye test.
Computer users should have a thorough eye test before starting work on computers and yearly examinations from then on.

2. Proper lighting.
Excessively bright light can be a major causal factor of eye strain

3. Reduce glare.
Consider using anti-glare screens and painting walls a darker colour

4. LCD Screens
Use LCD screens, like those on laptops, as they are much easier on the eyes and usually have an anti-reflective surface.

5. Computer display settings.
Adjusting the computer display settings can help reduce eye strain and tiredness. Altering the brightness, text size, contrast and colour can all prove beneficial.

6. Blink
Blinking is crucial for computer workers, as blinking moistens the eyes and prevents dryness and irritation.

7. Eye exercise

To lessen the chance of tired eyes caused by constantly focusing on the screen, look away from the computer screen at least every 20 minutes and look at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds. This simple eye exercise will relax the focusing muscle inside the eye, and help to reduce fatigue.

8. Frequent breaks.
Taking frequent breaks during the working day will help reduce the chance of eye strain, and neck, back and shoulder pain

9. Workstation modification.
Correct posture, proper lighting and ergonomic furniture should all be taken into consideration.

10. Computer eyewear.
Consider using customized computer eyewear, especially those that wear glasses and contact lens users.

These are just a few suggestions for reducing the risk of visual problems, and making life much more comfortable for computer users.

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