How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Vision

Pregnancy is a time of immense change throughout the body—and your eyes are no exception. While most people expect shifts in hormones, appetite, or sleep, changes in vision often come as a surprise. Understanding how pregnancy can impact eye health is an important part of prenatal care.

Common Vision Changes During Pregnancy

Blurry Vision

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to fluid retention, which may slightly change the shape or thickness of the cornea. This can result in blurry or less sharp vision, especially if you already wear corrective lenses. While this is usually temporary and resolves postpartum, it's important not to rush into a new prescription during pregnancy.

Dry Eyes

Many pregnant individuals experience dry eyes due to hormonal changes. This can cause discomfort, sensitivity to light, or a gritty feeling in the eyes. Over-the-counter artificial tears (without preservatives) are often safe and effective—just check with your OB-GYN or ophthalmologist first.

Eye Pressure Changes

Intraocular pressure (IOP) often decreases slightly during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. For those with glaucoma, this can affect how the condition is managed. It's crucial to have regular monitoring and consult with your eye care provider about any changes in your treatment plan.

When Vision Changes May Signal a Problem

While most vision changes during pregnancy are harmless, some symptoms can indicate a more serious condition. Always contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

Sudden blurred vision
Flashes of light or floaters
Temporary loss of vision
Severe swelling or headaches

These may be signs of conditions like preclampsia, gestational hypertension, or gestational diabetes—all of which can affect the eyes and require immediate attention.

Vision and Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend an eye exam during pregnancy to check for any retinal changes.

Safe Eye Care During Pregnancy

Regular Eye Exams: If you're pregnant and have a preexisting eye condition, or if you're experiencing new symptoms, scheduling an eye exam is a smart move. Most non-invasive eye exams are safe during pregnancy.
Medication Management: Some eye medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Always let your ophthalmologist know you’re pregnant, and never stop a prescribed medication without medical guidance.

Vision After Delivery

Most pregnancy-related vision changes resolve within a few weeks to months postpartum. If symptoms persist beyond that, it’s worth revisiting your eye care provider to determine whether a new prescription or further evaluation is needed.