Pregnant mothers may think that your eyes are just bloodshot from fatigue, but in fact, it may be “pink eyes”, which is a common and relatively harmless condition. However, since pregnancy can cause complications, mothers may be worried. Today, we have gathered useful information about red eyes during pregnancy, what to do, how to treat and prevent them here. Let’s take a look.
Pink Eye / Conjunctivitis
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a thin, clear membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid and the white of the eye. Pink eye is a common contagious disease that is prevalent during the rainy season and is often caused by:
- Viral infection: This is the most common cause. It is usually caused by an adenovirus, which can occur with a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms of viral pink eye include red, itchy, watery, and watery eyes. A sore throat or cough may also be present.
- Bacterial infection: Often causes pink eyes with yellow or green mucus. There may be swelling, red eyelids, and eye pain.
- Fungal infections: Less common than viral and bacterial infections, fungal pink eye symptoms are similar to bacterial pink eye, but there is black or brown discharge.
- Allergy: Often causes itchy, red, watery eyes. May also have a stuffy nose, sneezing, or runny nose.
- Irritants: such as smoke, dust, cigarette smoke, chemicals, swimming pools can cause redness, irritation, and tearing of the eyes.
- Dry eyes: Often caused by overusing your eyes, not getting enough rest, or having problems with your tear glands.
- Wearing contact lenses: Wearing unclean contact lenses or wearing them for long periods of time.
- Chronic diseases: such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, thyroid disease
What causes red eyes in pregnant women?
The causes of pink eye are no different from those of the general population, but pregnant women are more likely to catch a cold or get an infection than usual. Therefore, they may have more red eyes than usual. Common causes of conjunctivitis or pink eyes in pregnant women include:
Colds, the flu, or even COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis. Because viruses trigger inflammation in the body, you may notice red eyes before, during, or after a viral infection.
It often occurs in people who wear contact lenses incorrectly. It can also be caused by touching your eyes after coming into contact with the feces, nasal mucus of an infected person, or bacteria that cause certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Seasonal allergies to air, including dust, pet dander, and mold, can cause temporary conjunctivitis. Symptoms are usually mild, with watery eyes, redness, irritation, and itching, but they don’t develop crusty or watery patches.
Sand blowing into the eyes or small debris entering the eyes can cause an allergic reaction or injury to the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Scratching your eyes hard enough to scratch your cornea or getting hit in the face can cause inflammation, redness, and tearing. These wounds can also provide a way for dirt or bacteria to enter, causing irritation or infection in your eyes.
Treatment of pink eye during pregnancy
Antibacterial eye drops
- Bacterial pink eye requires antibacterial eye drops to clear up the infection. These medications usually make you feel better fairly quickly, within a few days, but it can take about a week for you to be back to normal.
- Most antibacterial eye drops are safe for you and your baby, but be sure to tell the doctor who prescribed them to you if you are pregnant, and if you are not sure, talk to your obstetrician.
- Common antibacterial eye drops for pink eye include tobramycin, erythromycin, and ofloxacin. According to a 2015 study, these antibacterial eye drops are generally safe to use during pregnancy, but you should always consult a healthcare professional first.
Anti-allergy eye drops
- Allergic pink eye: You may be able to use antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway), in limited doses. However, these are classified as a Category C drug by the FDA, an older system that many people still use, so you should talk to your doctor first.
Pain relievers
- If you have severe pain from pink eye, you can take paracetamol to relieve the pain. Be aware that ibuprofen is generally not recommended for pregnant women.
- Oral antihistamines may help relieve red eye symptoms caused by allergies. Claritin and Zyrtec are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Artificial tears
- Artificial tears are a great way to help relieve inflammation or irritation of the eyes. They are non-drug and can be used with contact lenses. They can be used as often as needed to relieve dry, itchy, or irritated eyes.
- If you have non-bacterial pink eye and need relief during recovery, talk to your doctor about using artificial tears to relieve some of your symptoms. Since they are just eye drops to add moisture, they are safe to use during pregnancy.
How to prevent pink eyes during pregnancy
The best way to prevent pink eye is to practice good hand hygiene. Not touching your face, especially your eyes, while your hands are dirty until you’ve washed your hands with soap and water will reduce the amount of dirt and germs you can transfer to your eyes, which could lead to infection.
If you’re pregnant, you may want to take a few extra steps to avoid pink eye. Keep in mind that you’re more prone to infections, and protect yourself from other environmental factors that can lead to pink eye, including:
- You can avoid sharing items with others, such as towels and bedding.
- Avoid environmental irritants that trigger your allergy symptoms.
- Take special care of your contact lenses if you wear them.
- Stay away from people with pink eye disease.
Frequently asked questions about eye infections during pregnancy
Pregnant women with red eyes, is it a risk to the baby in the womb?
- According to medical information, pink eye generally does not affect the fetus. However, to be safe, pregnant mothers who experience pink eye should see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Does pregnancy affect eye infections?
- Yes, pregnancy can affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, including eye infections.
What are the common symptoms of an eye infection during pregnancy?
- Symptoms may include redness, itching, irritation, discharge, swelling, pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Are pregnant women more likely to have pink eye than the general population?
- Pregnant women may be more susceptible to viral infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) dermatitis, due to changes in their immune systems.
Are eye drops safe for pregnant women?
- It is always necessary to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication, including eye drops or over-the-counter medications, as some medications may not be safe during pregnancy.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
