How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Eyesight

Pregnancy can impact almost every part of a woman's body and health — including her eyes. In fact, an estimated 14% of pregnant women report experiencing visual changes during pregnancy that usually resolve on their own within a couple of months after giving birth.

Normal Visual Changes During Pregnancy

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is the most common visual symptom that pregnant women may experience. Hormonal fluctuations are usually to blame for the temporary decrease in visual acuity. The influx of pregnancy hormones causes fluid retention in some areas of the body and can cause the cornea to thicken slightly, affecting focus.

Less commonly, blurred vision can signal gestational diabetes, affecting 6-9% of pregnant women. The rise in blood sugar level impacts the focusing lens of the eye. Blurred vision is also a common side effect of dry eye syndrome, which can be brought on or exacerbated by pregnancy.

Eye Dryness

Pregnancy hormones can cause a reduction in the amount of tears your eyes produce or affect the quality of the tears. Eye dryness is particularly common in the last trimester. Some women find it difficult to wear contact lenses in their third trimester and temporarily switch to glasses.

Eye Puffiness

Pregnancy-related water retention may cause your eyelids to appear puffier than during your pre-pregnancy days. If puffy eyes bother you, try limiting your salt and caffeine intake, as they can worsen the problem.

Visual Changes That May Indicate a Problem

Flashes or floaters

Seeing stars during pregnancy can signal high blood pressure, which is associated with preeclampsia — a serious medical condition that requires close monitoring. It's crucial to have your blood pressure monitored throughout your pregnancy.

Temporary vision loss

Temporary vision loss is another warning sign of preeclampsia. Contact your doctor promptly if you suddenly lose any portion of your visual field.

Sensitivity to light

Light-sensitivity can either be a normal side effect of fluid retention in the eye, or it can signal dangerously high blood pressure and preeclampsia.

How We Can Help

At Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna, our goal is to keep your vision and eyes healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. If you experience any visual symptoms, we can help by thoroughly examining your eyes to determine the underlying cause and provide you with guidance on what next steps to take.

To schedule an eye exam or learn more about our eye care services, call Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna today!

Q&A

Why are regular eye exams important? Having your eyes evaluated by an optometrist regularly is crucial for detecting early signs of eye diseases and changes in your prescription, including during pregnancy.

Will my baby need an eye exam after birth? According to the American Optometric Association, babies should have an eye exam within the first 6-12 months of life, even in the absence of noticeable vision problems.