How Your Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Changes to your sight might not be the first thing on your mind during pregnancy, but they can be a surprisingly common part of the journey.

Many pregnant women notice a change in their vision, usually linked to hormonal shifts. While these differences can be unexpected and unnerving, they’re usually nothing to worry about and will resolve after childbirth.

Let’s explore why these vision changes happen, what symptoms to look out for, and how to keep your eyes healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Why does pregnancy affect vision?

Pregnancy affects nearly every part of the body, including the eyes. Hormone fluctuations, differences in blood circulation, and fluid retention can all impact the way the eyes function.

While this tends to be temporary, it may affect how clearly you see, how your eyes feel, and how your existing prescriptions work.

Common eye-related symptoms during pregnancy

Dry, irritated eyes

Feel like there’s sand in your eyes? Hormones can throw your tear film balance off, leading to dryness or discomfort. While eye drops can offer relief, it’s always smart to check with your optometrist before starting any new products to ensure they match your vision needs and lifestyle, especially for contact lens wearers.

Blurry or shifting vision

Extra fluid in the body can slightly alter the shape of your cornea – the transparent front layer of your eye. This may make your contact lenses feel uncomfortable or cause blurry vision during pregnancy. The effect is usually mild and corrects itself after childbirth, but it’s one reason your sight might not seem as sharp during pregnancy.

Vision disturbances linked to preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure that can lead to light sensitivity or fuzzy sight. You may also see spots, flashes of light, or even experience brief sight loss. If you notice any of these signs, contact your eye doctor immediately, as it could be a medical emergency.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes, a condition that affects blood sugar, can also cause blurred vision during pregnancy. High blood sugar levels can impact the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, making it harder to focus. Careful blood sugar management and regular eye exams can help protect your eyesight.

Pressure changes in pre-existing eye conditions

If you have glaucoma or another chronic eye condition, pregnancy might shift the pressure inside your eye. Your optometrist will monitor this and adjust treatment if needed to keep you and your baby safe.

The importance of eye exams when pregnant

Frequent eye exams can help you stay on top of  pregnancy vision changes. While adults are generally advised to have an exam every two years, it’s wise to schedule additional check-ups if you notice any major disruptions while expecting.

We do more than check your prescription. We also examine the retina (which processes light) and the optic nerve (which sends signals to your brain), at the back of the eye, both of which can be impacted during pregnancy. Comparing results to previous exams helps us spot any changes early, ensuring your eyes stay healthy.

Protect your eyes during pregnancy

While most pregnancy vision changes are common, harmless, and temporary, seeing an eye doctor is important if you have concerns or experience severe symptoms. For convenience, you can book your appointment online with our eye doctors in Texas today.