For nine months, pregnant women undergo a physiological metamorphosis. Pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, weight gain, back pain, constipation, and swelling are not unexpected. The fluctuations in pregnancy hormones also affect metabolism, fluid retention, and blood circulation — all of which can affect eye health.
Blurred vision is one of the side effects of pregnancy. Changes during pregnancy can also cause near- or farsightedness to worsen; this can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Many women experience blurred vision after pregnancy has come to term, and others notice changes even before they know they’re pregnant.
Yes, pregnancy-related eye problems like blurred vision are common but in most cases are temporary. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends waiting for six to nine months after delivery, or after breastfeeding, to ensure vision has stabilized before changing eyewear.
What causes blurry vision while pregnant?
Blurry vision while pregnant is mainly due to hormonal changes that can lead to the following:
Water retention
Increased fluid retention during pregnancy not only affects the feet and legs, but can also increase the thickness and curvature of the cornea and increase intraocular pressure.
Dry, irritated eyes
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, pregnancy can cause dry eye syndrome because of the changes in hormones — which cause a decrease in tear production. The decrease in tears leads to eye dryness and discomfort.
Dry eyes (along with subtle changes in the shape and thickness of the cornea due to fluid buildup) may make it uncomfortable to wear contact lenses during pregnancy.
Softening of corneal tissue
Softening of the corneal tissue may be triggered by the body’s increased production of progesterone. Progesterone softens the cartilage and collagen in the pelvic region in preparation for the baby’s birth. Some doctors believe it may have the same effect on collagen in the cornea.
Visual disturbances from migraines
Migraines are unpleasant, but rarely a cause for concern. A migraine headache with aura may cause visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots and is a possible cause of headaches and blurry vision during pregnancy.
Migraines are common in the first and early second trimesters and tend to improve in the late second and third trimesters. This is due to higher estrogen levels in the third trimester. Higher estrogen levels result in reduced migraine episodes.
Can vision problems be a sign of pregnancy complications?
Sometimes vision changes in pregnancy are a symptom of a more serious condition such as:
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that develops in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy. It affects about 5-8% of all pregnant women. It is a multisystem disorder that can also affect the visual pathway.
Signs of preeclampsia include blurred vision, double vision, and a temporary loss of vision.
During pregnancy, new blood vessels form to send nutrient-rich blood into the placenta — which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby. The new blood vessels are narrow and don’t respond well to the mother’s hormones. The vessels are unable to carry the normal blood volume, which causes hypertension in the mother.
Grave’s disease – hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism may be diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes. It worsens in the first trimester and improves later in pregnancy. If symptoms become severe, anti-thyroid medication may be prescribed by a physician.
When Grave’s disease affects eye function, the symptoms include:
- tearing
- pain or pressure in the eyes
- light sensitivity
- a gritty sensation in the eyes
- double vision
- vision loss
- blurred vision and dizziness
Diabetic retinopathy
Unmanaged gestational diabetes (diabetes that specifically occurs during pregnancy) can lead to diabetic retinopathy — when high blood sugar levels damage tiny blood vessels that support the retina in the back of the eye. The damage causes the vessels to bleed, leak fluid, and become blocked.
Diabetic retinopathy alters the way your brain receives images from the eyes, leading to more serious problems like vision loss.
Other eye issues during pregnancy
Hormonal changes can weaken the immune system making a pregnant woman more susceptible to infections, like pink eye. In addition, pregnancy can decrease peripheral vision (can’t see objects until directly in front of you).
How can I find relief from vision changes during pregnancy?
While uncomfortable, vision changes during pregnancy are usually temporary. However, there are steps you can take while pregnant to minimize the discomfort:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness.
- Switch from contact lenses to glasses or take regular breaks from contact lenses.
- Consider getting a temporary prescription. This is important if vision is affecting driving and other detailed tasks.
- Struggling to focus can trigger migraines and increased sensitivity to light. As a result, pregnant women may experience blurred vision and headaches during pregnancy. This is another great reason to consider a temporary prescription.
- Simple and effective eye exercises can help the eyes to focus better. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor who can provide instructions.
- Schedule more frequent appointments for eye exams while pregnant and in the postpartum period to discuss vision changes.
Ophthalmologists recommend delaying corrective laser eye surgery (like LASIK) for six months before conception, during pregnancy, and six months after delivery due to changes in vision that result from pregnancy hormones.
If you experience sudden blurry vision, double vision, vision loss, and/or increased eye floaters during pregnancy, consult a healthcare provider and eye-care provider promptly.
While it may be temporary, it can signal a more serious medical condition and should be discussed with an OB/GYN.
Why trust your eyesight to Assil Gaur Eye Institute?
Under Dr. Assil’s leadership, the Assil Gaur Eye Institute has assembled a team of top ophthalmology specialists from around the country who continue AGEI’s tradition of offering patients the highest quality of specialist eye care in the United States. In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our doctors have managed to keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, much like how family-run medical practices used to be.
Today, the Assil Gaur Eye Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate patient-centric care, its commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and its dedication to supporting the health and well-being of its patients and community.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Dr. Harris continued her education at Pennsylvania College of Optometry where she received another bachelor’s degree in vision sciences and then a doctorate of Optometry. While at the college, she served as an ambassador to the school and a tutor for her fellow professional colleagues. Her clinical and classroom work yielded academic achievement awards and bid her membership in the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society.
She completed clinical rotations during her fourth year at a few private practices in addition to the William Feinbloom Low Vision Rehabilitation Center and Hahneman Hospital in Philadelphia.
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