Increase in floaters/flashes in vision?

Kingston54

Over the last 2 months I've noticed more floaters and flashes in my vision than normal.  I'll also see stars for a few seconds once in a while if I cough or sneeze really hard.  I have a vitreous detachment so I already had both before I was pregnant.

I told my OB about this and he said that my blood pressure is normal so he's not worried about pre-eclampsia at all.

He said it could be from dehydration and to drink more fluids.

I'm ultra sensitive to noticing, so it seems like I'm almost looking for them sometimes.  Plus they're the worst when I'm looking at a light wall or under bright lights (all day at work).

I told my DH that I irrationally worry that something crazy will happen like I'll push so hard in labor that I'll detach my retina

Anyone else with similar circumstances/advice?

Thanks in advance!

drpayne

Get an eye exam, just to be on the safe side. Floaters aren't too worrisome but flashes can be. Flashes can also be from BP drop associated with posture change, which is pretty normal. It's probably nothing but it doesn't hurt to have your retinas checked, either with dilation or optomap. I've never heard of labor causing a detachment... But I guess I can't say for sure that its impossible. Good luck!

MelissaRae1525

I don't have anything productive to add other than I hope I'm not the only one who thought floaters were referring to poop (you could guess what my biggest pregnancy complaint is). I had no idea those little things you see had a name. 

Minipenguin

I've been noticing those, too. I get those flashes for about 30 seconds 2 or 3 times a day. They look like little stars in my vision. I didn't think they were anything to worry about... maybe I should call an eye doctor. My BP has been normal this far, though.

MelleTX

MelissaRae1525:

I don't have anything productive to add other than I hope I'm not the only one who thought floaters were referring to poop (you could guess what my biggest pregnancy complaint is). I had no idea those little things you see had a name. 

Same here!

I didn't even know this was something I had to worry about. I had my vision corrected about 18 years ago so I do get starbursts and other "floaters" pretty often. 

WaitingOnTwoPinkLines

I've seen an increase in them lately & my BP has been stellar - I'm even a little on the low side of normal (which is par for the course for me). I especially notice them if I am in the shower (when I lift my arms above my head & tilt my head back), or if I look over my shoulder for longer than a few seconds. I figure it's a positional thing, so I avoid doing those things as much as possible

Your blood volume increases by 50% during pregnancy, so I imagine you are much more susceptible to positional changes in BP - normal temporary impingement of blood vessels that *usually* doesn't cause a problem is suddenly a bigger deal because now you are causing a lot more blood to be restricted, which causes a higher pressure (even if local/acute).

It wouldn't hurt anything to have an ophthalmologist do an exam, especially if you are worried. They could probably answer any questions you have about potential issues a lot better than your OB - your OB is trained to take care you your baby & reproductive system, not your eyes!

6fsn

Call your eye doc.  It's probably nothing, but eyes are not something to be messed with.

mejane123

MelissaRae1525:

I don't have anything productive to add other than I hope I'm not the only one who thought floaters were referring to poop you could guess what my biggest pregnancy complaint is. I had no idea those little things you see had a name.nbsp;

Nope, not the only one. Before I clicked I was trying to figure out how poo floaters were a side effect of pregnancy.

OP, I've seen some floaters, too, but my BP has been perfect. I'm sure it has to do with all the extra blood and change in flow, the same stuff that makes you dizzy or lightheaded.

beckpreg

I have had these all my life and get them more frequently with pregnancy. Do you notice them especially badly if you bend over and stand up? or if you have been siting a long time and then stand up?

As a kid I used to get them before I would get a miagrane, it was my first indication I had better take my miagrane meds BUT as an adult I get them when my blood pressure is a little on the low side (it has stayed low during pregnancy and is now generally 100/60) but standing up too quickly or bending over and then straightening up will cause it to happen, something about the blood from your lower body has to work harder to be pumped through your heart.

For me, its not dangerous but do watch out that you dont faint, as I dont know what your blood pressure is and too low can cause you to pass out.....try to stand up slowly.

Kingston54

beckpreg:

I have had these all my life and get them more frequently with pregnancy. Do you notice them especially badly if you bend over and stand up? or if you have been siting a long time and then stand up?

As a kid I used to get them before I would get a miagrane, it was my first indication I had better take my miagrane meds BUT as an adult I get them when my blood pressure is a little on the low side (it has stayed low during pregnancy and is now generally 100/60) but standing up too quickly or bending over and then straightening up will cause it to happen, something about the blood from your lower body has to work harder to be pumped through your heart.

For me, its not dangerous but do watch out that you dont faint, as I dont know what your blood pressure is and too low can cause you to pass out.....try to stand up slowly.

I also have had them for a while now about 7 years since I was in a car accident that caused a vitreous detachment. 

I do notice them more frequently when I get up.  Or when I look at a light background.  I hardly ever notice them at home or at a restaurant - where the lighting is relatively dim...

I hate flourescent lights!!