Pregnancy brings about many amazing changes in a woman’s body—glowing skin, growing bellies, and powerful hormonal shifts. However, did you know that pregnancy vision changes are common?
From subtle vision changes to dry eyes or increased light sensitivity, many women experience temporary eye-related symptoms during pregnancy. Most of these pregnancy vision changes are harmless and fade after childbirth, but some may require monitoring by an eye doctor.
Let’s explore the most common pregnancy vision changes, what’s considered normal, and when you should seek professional help.
Pregnancy Vision Changes
Blurry Vision
Fluid retention can result from hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, which can influence the cornea’s thickness and shape. This may cause your vision to become slightly blurry or feel out of focus—especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
What you can do:
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- If the blurriness is mild and doesn’t interfere with daily activities, there’s no need to change your prescription.
- Avoid getting new glasses or contact lenses until a few months after childbirth, when your vision typically returns to normal.
- If blurry vision worsens or affects only one eye, let your optometrist know—it could be a sign of something more serious.
Dry Eyes
Hormonal changes can reduce tear production during pregnancy, leading to dry, irritated, or gritty eyes. You might also find your contact lenses less comfortable than usual.
What you can do:
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- Use preservative-free artificial tears to relieve dryness (check with your OB before using any medication or eye drops).
- Take frequent screen breaks to reduce eye strain.
- Switch to glasses if contacts become uncomfortable.
The good news? Dry eyes caused by pregnancy usually improve shortly after delivery.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
Another pregnancy vision change is sensitivity to bright lights, especially during the second and third trimesters. This could be linked to hormone-driven changes in the cornea or pupil dilation.
What you can do:
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- Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Dim your screen brightness or use blue light filters.
- Stay hydrated to support overall eye comfort.
If light sensitivity is severe or comes with a headache or vision changes, talk to your doctor—it could signal an underlying issue.
Vision Fluctuations
Fluctuating hormones, fluid retention, and changes in blood pressure can all affect your eyesight from day to day. These temporary shifts usually aren’t permanent but may be more noticeable if you already wear corrective lenses.
What you can do:
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- To prevent eye strain, it is important to take pauses and utilize appropriate lighting.
- Wait to get a new prescription until a few months postpartum.
- Note any patterns and discuss them during prenatal visits if they persist.
Puffy Eyelids or Dark Circles
Changes in circulation and water retention can make your eyelids appear swollen or puffy, especially in the morning. Hormonal shifts and lack of sleep may also contribute to dark under-eye circles.
What you can do:
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- Use a cold compress to reduce puffiness.
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
- Get plenty of hydration and rest (easier said than done during pregnancy, but every bit helps).
Eye Pressure Changes
Pregnancy can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP)—the fluid pressure inside your eyes. While this typically isn’t noticeable, it’s important for women with glaucoma, as it may affect treatment decisions.
What you can do:
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- If you have glaucoma or other eye conditions, let your eye doctor and OB know you’re pregnant.
- Never stop or adjust eye medications without medical advice—some treatments may need to be paused or adjusted during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Vision Warning Signs to Watch For
While most eye changes during pregnancy are minor and temporary, some symptoms can signal more serious conditions, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. Pregnancy Vision Changes: Watch for the following red flags:
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- Sudden blurry vision
- Flashes of light or floaters
- Double vision
- Loss of vision (partial or complete)
- Severe headaches with visual changes
These symptoms could point to high blood pressure or other complications and should be addressed immediately.
Pregnancy Vision Health Tips
Here are a few ways to support pregnancy vision changes while expecting:
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- Get regular prenatal care and report any new vision changes.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
- Use safe eye drops (consult your OB or eye doctor before using any medication).
- Visit your provider if you have diabetes, glaucoma, or pre-existing eye conditions.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a time of major transformation—including for your eyes. Fortunately, most pregnancy vision changes are harmless and temporary and resolve after childbirth or breastfeeding.
By understanding the connection between pregnancy and eye health, you can better care for your vision—and know when to seek help. Your eyes are just one more part of your amazing journey toward motherhood—treat them with the same care and attention you give the rest of your body.
Uncertain whether what you’re experiencing is common in pregnancy? Schedule an appointment today with our eye doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates.
Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
